Barton says he is victim of 'political prosecution'

Barton says he is victim of 'political prosecution'

Former footballer Joey Barton has told a jury he believes he is the victim of a "political prosecution" and denied he sent alleged grossly offensive social media posts to "get clicks and promote himself".

He told a court he did not intend to call broadcaster Jeremy Vine a paedophile and described it as a "bad, dark, juvenile joke".

The former Manchester City and Everton midfielder is on trial accused of having "crossed the line between free speech and a crime" with posts on X about the presenter, and commentators Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.

Giving evidence at Liverpool Crown Court, the 43-year-old said his references to Vine were a "wind-up".

"It was not meant to call him a paedophile. It was a bad, dark, juvenile joke," he said.

"I have not at any point tried to cause distress or anxiety or risk his life or his daughters' lives.

"I don't want people to fear for their lives, I'm a dad.

"I cannot believe I'm on trial for this. Words on a social media site."

The court has heard how following an FA Cup game in January 2024, he compared pundits Ward and Aluko to the "Fred and Rose West of football commentary".

Fred and Rose West gained notoriety after murdering and abusing a number of women over a 20-year period.

Mr Barton is then said to have called Vine a paedophile in numerous posts after the broadcaster sent a message querying whether the ex-player had a "brain injury".

During cross-examination, prosecutor Peter Wright KC said: "The reality is you targeted these women and you bullied them."

Mr Barton, who is from Huyton in Merseyside, said: "If you are public facing, you have to accept there is going to be criticism and feedback you don't like."

Mr Wright said: "Is the truth that, under the guise of your right to freedom of expression, you engage in personal slur and grossly offensive remarks to those who you feel are fair game?"

Mr Barton, who also played for Newcastle and Marseille, said: "I sometimes use the wrong language. I was trying to make a serious point in a provocative way."

He denied he was trying to attract more clicks and promote himself.

'Celebrity spat'

Mr Wright said: "You have got these views on women and their role with men's football, and they were strongly expressed by you."

"Yes," Mr Barton replied.

Mr Wright said: "And if someone challenges you on that you double down."

Mr Barton said: "No, I defend my position."

Mr Wright said: "You say to the jury that your purpose here, first in respect of the female pundits or co-commentators, was what you were seeking to do was to provoke a debate about it."

Mr Barton, who also managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, said: "That was my intention."

He said he felt he was subject to a "political prosecution" from the first knock on his door by police.

"This was the state, in my opinion, trying to squeeze me into the ground," he said.

"It's a spat between celebrities online.

"I believe this is a highly politicised case."

Mr Wright said: "You have sought to deflect, divert and avoid. That's the position, isn't it?"

Mr Barton replied: "This is a state prosecution I believe for whatever their agendas are in pushing on people."

Barton, now of Widnes, Cheshire, denies 12 counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety between January and March last year.

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