Former footballer Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to a charge of grievous bodily harm following an alleged assault at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Merseyside, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
The charge relates to an incident on 8 March in which Kevin Lynch, 51, was seriously injured after being taken to hospital with facial and rib injuries. The court previously heard there is a possibility the victim could lose sight in one eye.
Barton appeared via videolink from HMP Liverpool charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. This follows earlier reports that the alleged incident occurred after a “heated discussion” between Barton and Mr Lynch at the golf club, according to prosecutor Chelsea Kearns.
The court heard the men had been drinking together before going outside, where a witness described seeing a man being punched, kicked and stamped on. It was also alleged Barton warned Mr Lynch during the incident, saying: “You should have behaved.”
Co-accused Gary O’Grady, 50, also appeared before the court charged with the same offence but entered no pleas. Barton has been remanded in custody ahead of a provisional trial set for 1 September.
This comes after police attended the scene at the golf club, where a cordon was put in place and officers sought witness accounts and doorbell footage as part of the investigation.
Barton, who made one appearance for England and previously played for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers, later moved into football management with roles at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.
The case continues.
