Joey Barton appears in court over alleged offensive messages on social media

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Joey Barton appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today over alleged offensive messages on social media. The former footballer, 42, is accused of sending 'grossly offensive' messages to TV personalities Lucy Ward and Jeremy Vine on the social media platform X.

He appeared in the dock for a 20-minute hearing at the Merseyside court. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Barton is accused of sending communications of an indecent or grossly offensive nature on X to ex-England footballer and pundit Ward and TV and radio presenter Vine between January and March last year, with the intention of causing distress or anxiety.

Today's hearing dealt largely with administrative matters, which cannot be reported ahead of a trial. Judge Andrew Menary KC, Recorder of Liverpool, granted Barton unconditional bail and ordered a further pre-trial preparation hearing, due to take place on Friday, March 14.