FORMER FOOTBALLER JOEY BARTON AND SECOND SUSPECT CHARGED AFTER MAN ASSAULTED NEAR GOLF CLUB IN MERSEYSIDE

FORMER FOOTBALLER JOEY BARTON AND SECOND SUSPECT CHARGED AFTER MAN ASSAULTED NEAR GOLF CLUB IN MERSEYSIDE Former professional footballer Joey Barton and a second man have been charged with serious assault following an incident in Merseyside, UK, in which a man was found with major injuries near a golf club. The episode has prompted a police investigation and forthcoming court appearances.

Merseyside Police confirmed that two men have been charged with Section 18 wounding with intent a serious offence in UK law after a report of a violent assault near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Sunday night, March 8, around 9 p.m. The defendant alongside Barton is 50‑year‑old Gary O’Grady, of Seel Road, Huyton, both of whom remain in custody ahead of a scheduled appearance at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services attended the scene after reports of the assault and found a man suffering serious injuries to his face and body. He was taken to hospital and remains in a serious but stable condition, police said. Officers responded swiftly on Sunday night after calls about the assault in Fairway, near the golf club. Detectives conducted enquiries, including gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, as part of the ongoing investigation.

Merseyside Police issued a statement confirming the charges:

Barton, 43, originally from Widnes and Huyton in Merseyside, is a retired midfielder whose professional career began with Manchester City before spells at clubs including Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Rangers. He earned one cap for the England national football team and later pursued coaching roles including with Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers. Barton now hosts a podcast called Common Sense With Joey Barton. Barton and O’Grady are expected to appear before court later on Tuesday. If convicted of Section 18 wounding with intent an offence that carries a potential life sentence they could face significant custodial terms.