As reported by the Liverpool Echo and The Athletic, Barton has pleaded not guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm after an incident at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club,
The BBC report that along with his co-defendant, Gary O'Grady, Barton is charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent on former non-league football manager Kevin Lynch on the 8th March.
Appearing before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Tuesday, via video link to HMP Liverpool, Barton denied the count and was further remanded into custody and faces a seven-day trial starting 1st September.
Chelsea Kearns, prosecuting, said Lynch and Barton allegedly appeared to have a “heated discussion” after drinking together.
Mr Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.
At the time, prosecutors said Lynch could lose sight in one eye as a result of the injuries he sustained from Barton.
Adjourning the case, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC, said:
“In relation to both defendants, Mr Barton and Mr O’Grady, I will fix a trial date, beginning on the 1st of September this year. The next hearing so far as you are concerned, Mr O’Grady, will be heard on the 3rd of June. You are required to be here on that date. Mr Barton, you are not required for that hearing.
“Mr Barton, you must remain in custody. In your case, Mr O’Grady, I renew your bail on the same conditions as previously. That concludes this hearing. Mr O’Grady, you are free to go. Mr Barton, you are free to go with the officer.”