Ex-Footballer Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Alleged Assault

Former English football player Joey Barton has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The incident allegedly occurred outside a golf club in Huyton, where Barton and the victim, Kevin Lynch, had been drinking earlier. Barton, who appeared in court via videolink, denied the charges and a trial date has been set for September. His co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, did not enter a plea during the hearing. The case is expected to last seven days, with Barton currently being held in custody and O'Grady released on conditional bail.