Joey Barton has been held in custody following his court appearance at Liverpool Magistrates Court on charges of committing assault resulting in severe bodily harm. Barton, along with another individual named Gary O’Grady, was taken into custody after an altercation near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Sunday evening.
The victim, identified as non-league football coach Kevin Lynch, is currently hospitalized in a “serious but stable condition,” according to police reports.
Barton arrived at the court in a prison transport on Tuesday afternoon and only verified his name and address. District Judge James Hatton informed both defendants that they face a serious charge that will be transferred to the crown court.
While O’Grady was granted bail under certain conditions, Barton will be held in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for April 7 at 10 am.
Merseyside Police responded to the incident around 9 pm on Sunday, finding a man with facial and rib injuries who required hospitalization.
In an official statement, Merseyside Police confirmed the charges against the two men involved in the assault that took place in Huyton on Sunday night. The victim was attacked near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, sustaining serious injuries to his face and body.
Joseph Anthony Barton, 43, residing in Fox Bank Close, Widnes, and Gary O’Grady, 50, residing in Seel Road, Huyton, have been charged with Section 18 wounding with intent and are currently in custody awaiting their appearance at Wirral Magistrates Court later on Tuesday, March 10.
Former Premier League midfielder Joey Barton, who had a notable career with clubs like Newcastle, Manchester City, QPR, Marseille, Burnley, and Rangers before retiring in 2017, made a total of 269 appearances in the Premier League and earned one cap for the England national team. Following his playing career, Barton ventured into coaching, managing Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, and currently hosts the Common Sense with Joey Barton podcast.