Joey Barton could face six more months in jail after trial over alleged assault delayed

Joey Barton could face six more months in jail after trial over alleged assault delayed Barton was due to stand trial this week but his trial has now been pushed back to next year - Bookmark Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton could remain in prison until next year, after his trial over an alleged attack on a man outside a golf club was delayed. The 44-year-old ex-England international denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, at Fairway, Huyton, on 8 March. He was due to face trial this week, but at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday Judge David Potter adjourned the trial to 8 March 2027, meaning Barton could stay in jail for another six months. The case is expected to last two weeks. Barton was remanded in custody and will next appear for a bail application hearing on Monday. Barton appeared in court for the hearing, on his birthday, wearing a navy blue suit and tie with a blue shirt. He made a thumbs up gesture to a man in the public gallery as he left the dock. The attack is alleged to have taken place after he had been drinking with Mr Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Mr 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. Former Manchester City and QPR midfielder Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, has one England cap and also played for Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille during his career. He retired from playing in 2017 and subsequently moved into management with Fleetwood Town the following year. Barton spent three years at Fleetwood before joining Bristol Rovers in 2021. He was sacked in October 2023 and has not returned to the touchline since.