JOEY BARTON, a former England soccer player and manager, got a suspended jail sentence on Monday after being found guilty of sending offensive social media messages aimed at two former players and a TV presenter. The 43-year-old was convicted in court last month for posts sent in early 2024 targeting ex-England international Eni Aluko, football commentator Lucy Ward, and BBC presenter Jeremy Vine.
The prosecutors in Liverpool Crown Court said Barton's posts went beyond free speech and were meant to cause harm.
Barton argued his comments were just joking around or banter and didn't mean to upset anyone. But the court didn't accept this explanation and found him guilty on six counts, while clearing him of the other six.
Judge Andrew Menary said the posts were clearly offensive, and those directed at Aluko were made worse because of racial hostility.
Barton was given a six-month prison sentence, but it was suspended for 18 months. He also received a restraining order to stay away from Aluko, Ward, and Vine and was ordered to do unpaid community work.
This court appearance is part of a string of legal problems for Barton.
Earlier this year, he was convicted of hitting his wife, and in 2024 he had to pay damages to Jeremy Vine after a civil case about false statements. His behavior continues to affect his career, which once included playing for Manchester City and QPR, and managing teams like Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.
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