Trial begins at Liverpool Crown Court
Former footballer Joey Barton is due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court, accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch. The charge relates to an incident near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on March 8, as reported by the Liverpool Echo and Bristol Post.
Barton, 43, from Widnes, Cheshire, denies the charge. He pleaded not guilty the month after being charged, and the trial is listed to begin on Tuesday afternoon before Judge David Potter in courtroom 41, with proceedings expected to last around two weeks.
The alleged incident
The alleged attack is said to have taken place after Barton and Mr Lynch had been drinking at the golf club, according to the Bristol Post. Mr Lynch, 51, a former non-league football manager and founder of NexGen Academy, was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition after sustaining injuries to his face and body, the Liverpool Echo reported. He was reportedly found covered in blood on Fairway, near the entrance to the golf club, before emergency services were called. The Bristol Post said Mr Lynch suffered serious injuries to his eye.
Background of those involved
Kevin Lynch previously managed Prescot Cables, Marine and City of Liverpool FC, and is also the founder and headteacher of NexGen Academy in Dovecot, a school for children with additional needs, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Joey Barton made 269 Premier League appearances for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley, and earned one England cap. He also played for Rangers and Marseille, the Bristol Post reported. Following his playing career, he managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.