Former professional footballer Joey Barton has been charged in connection with an assault that took place near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Merseyside on Sunday evening. The 43-year-old, along with a second suspect, Gary O’Grady, 50, of Huyton, are facing charges of Section 18 wounding with intent, according to Merseyside Police. This incident occurred just as Barton was involved in a High Court libel claim hearing, adding another layer to a developing situation.
The alleged assault occurred at approximately 9:00 PM GMT on Sunday, March 8th, on Fairway, near the golf club. Authorities responded to reports of a man being assaulted and discovered the victim with injuries to his face, and ribs. He was subsequently transported to a hospital for assessment, where he remains in stable condition, Sky Sports reports.
Details of the Charges
Both Barton, of Widnes, and O’Grady have been charged with Section 18 wounding with intent. This charge signifies an intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They are scheduled to appear at Wirral Magistrates Court on Tuesday, March 10th, to address the allegations. Both men remain in police custody pending their court appearance, the BBC confirms.
The timing of the arrest is particularly noteworthy, as it coincided with a libel case in which Barton is a defendant. During the High Court hearing, Gervase de Wilde, representing Eni Aluko, informed the court that he had received notification from a duty solicitor regarding Barton’s arrest shortly before proceedings began. This detail was reported during the libel claim, suggesting the legal proceedings and the criminal investigation are unfolding concurrently.
Barton’s Career and Recent Activities
Joey Barton enjoyed a lengthy and often controversial career as a professional footballer, playing for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, and Rangers. He retired from playing in 2017 and transitioned into management, most recently managing Bristol Rovers. Beyond football, Barton has become a prominent media personality, hosting the “Common Sense with Joey Barton” podcast, where he discusses a range of topics including football, politics, and social issues, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Police have cordoned off a section of Fairway and are continuing their investigation, including searching a garden adjacent to the golf club. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the assault.
The incident has drawn significant media attention, given Barton’s high profile and the unusual circumstances surrounding his arrest during ongoing legal proceedings. The outcome of the court case and the police investigation will be closely watched.
What happens next will depend on the proceedings at Wirral Magistrates Court. The court will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case, and a trial date may be set. The libel case involving Barton will also continue, potentially adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
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