Joey Barton Receives Suspended Sentence for Controversial X Posts

Joey Barton has received a suspended sentence following his conviction for making offensive social media posts about public figures. The 43-year-old former footballer was found guilty by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court of sending grossly offensive electronic communications intended to cause distress.

Details of the Sentence

As a consequence of his actions, Barton was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He is required to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service and pay over £20,000 in legal costs.

Offensive Social Media Posts

• Barton posted derogatory remarks about broadcaster Jeremy Vine and football pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.
• His comments included comparing the pundits to serial killers Fred and Rose West.
• He referred to Vine as a “bike nonce” in multiple posts.

The trial took place over the first quarter of 2024. During this time, the jury concluded that Barton’s actions had crossed the line between acceptable commentary and criminal behavior.

Judicial Remarks

Judge Andrew Menary KC emphasized that Barton’s social media activity represented a targeted campaign of online abuse. He stated that while free speech allows for robust debate, Barton’s posts exceeded acceptable limits by vilifying individuals with malicious comparisons.

Impact on Victims

• Vine described Barton’s actions as “profoundly traumatising” and said his reputation was damaged.
• Ward expressed feelings of constant fear and a loss of self-worth due to the “barrage of hate.”
• Aluko stated that Barton’s comments were the most offensive criticism she had faced, leading her to increase security measures.

Barton’s Justification

After the verdict, Barton claimed his posts were meant as jokes that spiraled out of control. He expressed regret and stated that he never intended to cause harm.

Future Implications

As part of his sentence, Barton is subject to a two-year restraining order, prohibiting him from mentioning the victims on any social media platforms. If he violates these conditions, he risks facing actual prison time.

This case has highlighted the potential consequences of online behavior and the importance of adhering to social media conduct guidelines. The police hope that Barton’s conviction serves as a deterrent for others sharing abusive messages online.