The turbulent public life of former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has taken another dramatic turn after police confirmed he has been charged in connection with a serious assault that left a man hospitalized with significant injuries. The alleged incident unfolded near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Merseyside late on Sunday evening, triggering an emergency response and a swift criminal investigation.
Serious Assault Near Merseyside Golf Club
According to Merseyside Police, emergency services were called at approximately 9 p.m. on March 8 following reports that a man had been violently assaulted in the Fairway area near the golf club. When responders arrived, they found a victim suffering from serious injuries to both his face and body.
The man was transported to the hospital for urgent medical treatment, where doctors continue to treat him for the injuries sustained during the incident. Authorities later confirmed the victim remains in the hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Investigators moved quickly in the hours after the incident, arresting two suspects believed to be involved in the attack.
Barton and Second Man Charged With Wounding With Intent
Detectives have now charged Joseph Anthony Barton, 43, of Widnes, and Gary O’Grady, 50, of Huyton, with Section 18 wounding with intent. The charge represents one of the most serious assault offences under UK law and is used when prosecutors believe there was deliberate intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Both men were taken into custody and were scheduled to appear before magistrates. Police confirmed the pair would appear in court as the case begins moving through the criminal justice system.
The investigation began after the late-night call to emergency services prompted officers and medical responders to attend the scene near the golf club, where they found the injured victim and began gathering evidence surrounding the alleged attack.
Separate High Court Blow in Libel Case
At the same time as the criminal case emerged, Barton was also dealing with the outcome of a separate legal battle in the High Court involving former England footballer and broadcaster Eni Aluko.
During a hearing in London, the court ordered Barton to pay more than £300,000 in damages and legal costs after Aluko sued him for libel over a series of posts he made on the social media platform X in 2024.
Barrister Gervase de Wilde, representing Aluko, told the court Barton had conducted what was described as a “deliberately targeted public campaign of vilification.” Between January and August 2024, Barton published 48 posts referencing Aluko, including claims that she had cynically attempted to exploit allegations of racism and bullying.
One post referenced during the proceedings included a manipulated image that placed Aluko’s head on the body of convicted serial killer Rosemary West.
The court heard the sustained campaign caused Aluko significant distress. Barton has since accepted that the conduct amounted to harassment and acknowledged that he should not have made the posts.
Mr Justice Lavender approved a court order requiring Barton to pay £339,000 in damages and legal costs. The first payment of £100,000 plus interest is due by March 24, although Barton has been given seven days to apply to vary the order.
Aluko attended the hearing and later told the Press Association that she was relieved the matter had finally come to an end, saying simply: “I’m glad it’s the end.”
