Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Assault Charge

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has entered a not guilty plea for allegedly assaulting a 51-year-old man outside a golf club. The 43-year-old appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via videolink from HMP Liverpool. He faces charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, which he has denied. Barton's co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, did not enter a plea. The incident is said to have occurred after the defendants had been drinking with Mr Lynch at a golf club in Huyton. Mr Lynch, who founded the NexGen Academy, suffered severe eye injuries. A trial date has been set for September 1, and the case is expected to last seven days. Barton, a former midfielder for several prominent football clubs, including Manchester City and QPR, is being held in custody, while O'Grady has been granted conditional bail.