Joey Barton pleads not guilty to attacking man in golf club ‘assault’ that could leave victim blind n one eye
Joey Barton pleaded not guilty to assaulting a man who allegedly attacked his golf club.
The 43-year-old appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today via video link from HMP Liverpool, charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.
The former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers midfielder is said to have attacked father-of-two Kevin Lynch, 51, at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on March 8.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court previously heard Mr Lynch had facial injuries and was likely to lose the sight in one eye.
Barton had been in custody since March 10 and was denied bail at a hearing on March 20.
He was charged along with friend and roofer Gary O’Grady, 50, who was released on bail.
O’Grady also appeared in court today but did not enter a plea.
Joey Barton, 43, (photo taken in December last year) was charged with causing grievous bodily harm
Kevin Lynch, 51, was injured in the attack at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Liverpool
The court was previously told Mr Lynch had been drinking with the defendants at the £1,440-a-year golf club before the alleged attack.
Prosecutor Chelsea Kearns said she and Barton then had a “heated argument”.
The men came out and a witness saw a man being punched, kicked and stamped on, the court was told.
Barton allegedly warned Mr Lynch as he was attacked: ‘You should have behaved properly.’
While many police officers were dispatched to the scene at the golf club, forensic officers cordoned off the club and scanned the field for clues.
Neighbors said they heard a man groaning in pain and saw pools of blood in the street before paramedics arrived.
Barton has an England cap and has also played for Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.
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