The jury at Liverpool Crown Court has begun its deliberations in the high-profile trial of former professional footballer Joey Barton, who faces twelve charges of sending grossly offensive electronic communications.
The Alleged Offences
Barton, 43, is accused of posting a series of deeply offensive messages on social media between January and March of the previous year. The prosecution alleges that Barton "crossed the line between free speech and a crime" by targeting sports pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, as well as television and radio presenter Jeremy Vine.
Following a televised FA Cup match in January 2024, Barton described pundits Ward and Aluko, who both grew up in Birmingham, as the "Fred and Rose West of football commentary," a reference to the notorious serial killers. He later superimposed the women's faces onto an image of the Wests.
The court heard how Barton allegedly continued his tirade, stating that Aluko, a former Birmingham City player, belonged in a category with dictators Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot, claiming she had "murdered" the ears of millions of football fans. In posts referencing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Barton wrote that such policies were a "load of sh*t" and linked them to "BLM/George Floyd nonsense."
Defence Claims "Crude Banter"
Barton's defence team, led by Simon Csoka KC, argued that the former Manchester City and Newcastle United player's posts constituted "crude banter" and "dark and stupid humour." Barton maintained he was attempting to make a serious point in a provocative way and rejected claims that his intention was solely to gain clicks and promote himself.
Regarding his posts about Jeremy Vine, Barton claimed the term "bike nonce" was a well-known phrase used by non-cyclists and insisted he had no intention of suggesting Vine was a paedophile. He described a tweet referencing convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as merely provocative banter.
Barton told the court he believes he is the subject of a "political prosecution" and portrayed himself as a defender of free speech.
Prosecution's Closing Argument
In his closing remarks, Prosecutor Peter Wright KC contended that Barton had crossed the legal boundary "by some considerable margin." He urged the jury of seven men and five women to see Barton not as a free speech crusader, but as an "undiluted, unapologetic bully" who took pleasure in posting slurs from his phone.
Mr Wright described the three complainants as the "collateral damage of his self-promotion," arguing that Barton's actions went far beyond what society deems acceptable.
The defence countered by stressing the importance of free speech, arguing that it must protect even puerile, offensive, and hurtful comments to remain meaningful. The jury has now retired to consider its verdict on all twelve charges.
