Joey Barton Denied Bail Until 2027 Trial

Joey Barton will remain behind bars until his trial in 2027 after a judge refused his latest bid for bail.

The 44-year-old former midfielder, from Widnes, Cheshire, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, during an incident on 8 March at Fairway, Huyton. Barton denies the charge.

The alleged attack is said to have followed a drinking session at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Lynch, a former non-league manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, is reported to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.

Last week at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge David Potter pushed Barton's trial date back a full year, adjourning it to 8 March 2027. That delay now comes with a heavy consequence for Barton: he will not be released before the case is heard.

On Monday, Barton appeared via videolink from HMP Liverpool, dressed in a grey zip-up fleece, for a fresh bail hearing. Judge Potter rejected the renewed application and remanded him in custody. Barton nodded as the decision was delivered.

A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for 11 December. The trial itself is expected to last two weeks.

Barton, who won a single England cap, made his name with spells at Man City, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille. Now his next appearance will not be on a pitch, but in the dock.