Joey Barton Found Guilty for Grossly Offensive Posts on X
Joey Barton, the former football player, has been convicted on six counts of sending “grossly offensive” messages on social media. These posts were directed at notable individuals, including broadcaster Jeremy Vine and football pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.
Details of the Conviction
The jury at Liverpool Crown Court found that Barton, 43, crossed the line between free speech and criminal behavior. His posts, made between January and March 2024, included offensive comparisons and slurs. Barton likened Aluko and Ward to notorious serial killers Fred and Rose West and referred to Vine as a “bike nonce.”
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The judge in the case, Andrew Menary KC, warned Barton against wearing a scarf printed with the British flag in the courtroom, labeling it a “stunt.” He emphasized that Barton must comply with bail conditions prohibiting any mention of the victims before the sentencing scheduled for December 8, 2024.
Defense and Fallout
Barton argued that he was a victim of a “political prosecution.” He maintained that his comments aimed at Aluko and Ward were simply “dark and stupid humour.” He insisted that his remarks about Vine constituted “crude banter” and were never meant to imply any serious allegations.
- Barton claimed he was making a provocative point.
- He was cleared of six other counts of grossly offensive communication.
During the trial, Barton faced scrutiny for a particular post where he mockingly apologized to Aluko while drawing disturbing comparisons, stating she belonged in the “Joseph Stalin/Pol Pot category.” This comment suggested a negative impact on football fans over the years.
Conviction Details
The jury did convict Barton on specific charges, including posting that Aluko was present just to “tick boxes” and referencing social justice movements negatively. In contrast, he was acquitted on a charge of comparing Ward and Aluko to the infamous serial killers after an FA Cup match in January 2024.
Barton also faced a conviction for altering a photograph to superimpose Aluko’s and Ward’s faces onto an image of the killers. This conviction highlights the seriousness of his misdeeds and the court’s stance on social media conduct.
Conclusion
The case against Joey Barton underlines a growing attention to accountability in social media communications. As discussions around free speech versus harmful rhetoric continue, this ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving grossly offensive posts.
