Joey Barton remanded in custody following grievous bodily harm charge
Former footballer Joey Barton has been remanded in custody following his appearance at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, where he faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, reports BritPanorama.
The 43-year-old ex-midfielder appeared alongside Gary O’Grady, 50, with both men accused of assaulting Kevin Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
Police were summoned to the venue shortly after 21:00 GMT on Sunday evening following reports of an attack on a man. Barton, who hails from Huyton but now resides in Widnes, Cheshire, appeared before District Judge James Hatton wearing a blue jumper, black-framed glasses and grey sweatpants.
Prosecutor Chelsea Kearns informed the court that Lynch, 51, who previously managed at non-league level, remains in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries. The court was told the alleged victim may suffer “irreversible” damage to his eyesight and could potentially “lose sight in one eye.”
Both accused men “vehemently deny” the allegation against them, according to submissions made during the hearing. Neither Barton nor O’Grady was required to enter a formal plea at this stage of proceedings.
The former Premier League player showed no visible reaction when District Judge Hatton ordered that he be held in custody pending further hearings. Family members of both defendants were present in the public gallery throughout the brief court appearance.
Barton was refused bail by the court, while O’Grady was granted release subject to strict conditions prohibiting him from entering the golf club premises or making contact with the alleged victim or a named witness. Both defendants are scheduled to return to Liverpool Crown Court on 7 April for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
During his playing career, Barton represented several prominent clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, and Scottish side Rangers. The midfielder hung up his boots in 2017 before transitioning into football management.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how close-knit communities in sport can sometimes fracture under pressure. With serious charges looming, the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty for both the defendants and the wider footballing world.
