Ex-Footballer Barton Denies Attack At Golf Club

Joey Barton has denied assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent
Former footballer Joey Barton has denied assaulting a man at a Merseyside golf club.

Barton, who was denied bail at an earlier magistrates’ court hearing, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court by video link from Liverpool Prison for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Along with his co-defendant, 50-year-old Gary O’Grady, Barton is charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent on former non-league football manager Kevin Lynch, 51, at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on 8 March.

Barton, 43 and of Widnes, was further remanded into custody and faces a seven-day trial starting 1 September.

An earlier court hearing was told the defendants had been drinking with Lynch at the golf club before the alleged attack.

Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.

Gary O’Grady and Joey Barton appeared in the dock together at an earlier hearing
O’Grady appeared in court but did not enter a plea.

Midfielder Barton made one England appearance and played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.He also managed Fleetwood.