Former footballer Joey Barton could remain in custody for up to another six months after his trial on a charge of assault causing grievous bodily harm was postponed until next year. Barton, who marked his 44th birthday in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court, is accused of attacking Kevin Lynch, a former non-league football manager, at a golf club in Merseyside, leaving him with serious eye injuries. The delay matters because Barton has been held in custody since his arrest and now faces a significantly longer wait for the case to be resolved.

The alleged assault took place on 8 March at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club after Barton had reportedly been drinking with Mr Lynch, 51, who founded the NexGen Academy special education school. Judge Potter adjourned the trial to 8 March 2027 — the incident's first anniversary — after defence counsel Tim Forte KC requested more time to trace potential new witnesses, a request the prosecution did not oppose. Barton, who won one England cap and played for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle and Marseille before managing Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, was remanded back into custody, though a bail application is due to be heard on Monday.