Joey Barton Remains in Custody Until 2027 Trial

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

The former midfielder, 44, 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 this year. Barton denies the charge.

Trial pushed back – and no release

The case returned to Liverpool Crown Court last week, where Judge David Potter pushed the trial date back a full year to 8 March 2027. That decision already meant a long wait. Monday’s hearing made it clear Barton will spend that entire period in custody.

Appearing via videolink from HMP Liverpool, Barton wore a grey zip-up fleece as he listened to the ruling. His legal team put forward a renewed application for bail. Judge Potter refused it.

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

Alleged attack after golf club drinking

The alleged attack is said to have taken place after Barton and Lynch had been drinking together at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, before events moved to Fairway in Huyton.

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

Barton, who won a single England cap and played for Man City, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille, now faces the prospect of spending well over two years in custody before a jury hears the evidence.