Joey Barton pleads not guilty to GBH charge

Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on a headteacher near a Merseyside golf club in March.

The 43-year-old, appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, faces the allegation alongside co-defendant Gary O'Grady, 50, of Seel Road in Huyton. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, outside Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, where emergency services responded to reports of an assault on Fairway near the club's entrance. The victim, Kevin Lynch, 51, was found covered in blood and taken to a hospital in serious but stable condition with injuries to his face, body and ribs.

Prosecutors allege that Barton and O'Grady unlawfully and maliciously wounded Lynch during the altercation. A previous court hearing described a group of men drinking at the club's bar, where Barton and Lynch engaged in a heated discussion. Witnesses reportedly saw four men outside, with two taking turns punching and kicking Lynch to the head and body. He was allegedly stamped on and kicked while on the ground, prompting someone to shout "stop." As some men departed in a car, a voice was heard telling Lynch he...