Joey Barton Remains in Custody Until 2027 Trial

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

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

The alleged attack is said to have taken place after the pair had been drinking at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, before events spilled over at Fairway in Huyton. Lynch, a former non-league manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, is reported to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.

Bail bid rejected

Barton appeared via videolink from HMP Liverpool on Monday, dressed in a grey zip-up fleece, for the latest hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.

Judge David Potter rejected a renewed application for bail, meaning Barton will stay in custody until his rescheduled trial date.

The case had already been pushed back. Last week, Judge Potter adjourned the trial to 8 March 2027. With bail now refused, Barton faces a lengthy wait in prison before a jury hears the evidence.

He nodded as the judge remanded him in custody ahead of a pre-trial hearing set for 11 December. The trial itself is expected to last two weeks.

Barton, who won a single England cap during a turbulent playing career, turned out for Man City, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille. Now his next appearance will be on a court screen, not a football pitch.