Former footballer Joey Barton was discovered with a mobile phone and tobacco in his prison cell at HMP Liverpool following a search by anti-corruption officers. The discovery could result in him losing jail privileges whilst awaiting trial on charges of grievous bodily harm (GBH) for an alleged assault.

Barton, aged 44, is currently held on remand after being charged with causing GBH with intent to 51-year-old Kevin Lynch, who suffered serious eye injuries in an alleged assault at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Merseyside on 8 March 2026. Whilst Barton denies wrongdoing and may have been coerced into holding the contraband by fellow inmates, the discovery could result in additional punishment including loss of television and gym privileges, or even extra jail time. His trial has been scheduled for 8 March 2027, one year after the alleged incident.