Former footballer Joey Barton will remain behind bars until his trial next year after a renewed application for bail was refused.
The 44-year-old is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, following an alleged assault at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Merseyside on March 8.
Barton had been expected to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court last week. However, the proceedings were adjourned after the defence sought additional time to contact potential new witnesses.
The trial has now been rescheduled for March 8, 2027 — exactly one year after the alleged incident.
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Joey Barton will remain in custody until his trial next year after a bail application was refused
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Kevin Lynch, 51, was injured in the alleged assault at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club
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Former footballer Barton appeared over videolink from HMP Liverpool (pictured)
Barton Remanded in Custody
Barton appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool on Monday, wearing a grey zip-up fleece, as Judge David Potter considered his renewed bail application.
The judge refused the application and remanded Barton in custody ahead of a pre-trial hearing scheduled for December 11.
Barton nodded as the decision was delivered.
The former Manchester City and QPR midfielder was arrested shortly after the alleged incident and, if he remains in custody until the new trial date, will have spent around 12 months on remand.
Alleged Golf Club Assault
Prosecutors allege that Barton attacked Mr Lynch after the pair had been drinking together at the golf club.
Lynch, 51, is a former non-league football manager and the founder of special education school NexGen Academy. He is said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye in the alleged incident, with the injuries reportedly raising concerns about his sight.
At Liverpool Crown Court last week, Barton’s barrister Tim Forte KC applied for the trial to be postponed so potential new witnesses could be contacted.
Prosecution counsel Alex Leach KC did not oppose the application.
Judge Potter said there remained “intractable problems” preventing the trial from beginning on September 1 and set the new hearing date for March 8, 2027.
Barton denies the charge, and the allegations against him have not been proved in court.
Barton’s Football Career
Barton, who is from Widnes, Cheshire, earned one England cap during a playing career that included spells with Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.
After retiring from playing, he moved into management, taking charge of Fleetwood Town and later Bristol Rovers.
His next court hearing is scheduled for December 11, ahead of the trial in March 2027.