Joey Barton appears in court 'for sending offensive messages to Jeremy Vine and football pundit Lucy Ward'

Former England footballer Joey Barton is to face trial over claims he sent offensive social media messages to broadcaster Jeremy Vine and television commentator Lucy Ward.

Barton, 42, appeared before magistrates via videolink with his lawyer saying he had not been made aware of the court date and was unable to attend in person because he was 'minding the children'.

During a short hearing before magistrates in Chester, the father-of-four, of Widnes, denied two charges of sending indecent or offensive messages on social media.

According to the charges, the messages – sent on X, formerly known as Twitter - had intended to cause distress and anxiety.

Former Manchester City, Newcastle United, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers midfielder Barton, represented by Richard Derby, confirmed he was indicating 'not guilty' pleas on both counts.

The court heard he is alleged to have sent messages to Ms Ward between 3 and 8 January 2024 and to Mr Vine between 9 January and 20 March.

District Judge Tanweer Ikram granted Barton unconditional bail ahead of the next hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 13 February.

Barton is due to stand trial in May accused of sending malicious communications to football pundit Eni Aluko.

Former footballer Joey Barton is charged with sending offensive messages on social media

Barton appeared in court for allegedly sending offensive messages to Jeremy Vine (pictured)

Commentator Lucy Ward ahead of the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on February 9, 2022

He tweeted after Aluko and Ward appeared as pundits on ITV for an FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Everton on 4 January 2024, allegedly comparing them to serial killers Fred and Rose West. In a follow-up tweet, he compared Aluko to Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot, an earlier court hearing was told.

Vine previously sued Barton for libel and harassment over nine X posts, including one falsely calling the BBC Radio 2 presenter a 'big bike nonce'.

They settled the claim after Barton, who made one England appearance as a substitute in a 2007 friendly against Spain and was most recently manager of League One Bristol Rovers FC, posted two apologies and paid damages and Vine's legal costs.

Barton, who married fashion designer Georgia McNeil in 2019, previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of malicious communications over the incident with Eluko.

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