Joey Barton Charged with Offensive Messages

Former footballer Joey Barton appeared in Chester Magistrates' Court via video link, facing charges for sending indecent and offensive messages on social media to commentator Lucy Ward and TV presenter Jeremy Vine. Barton is alleged to have sent the messages between January 3 and March 20 last year, which were reportedly intended to cause distress and anxiety. He has pleaded not guilty to both counts and is scheduled to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court in May for these charges, as well as for previously targeting football pundit Eni Aluko. The messages allegedly included offensive comparisons of Ward and Aluko to notorious criminals and historical figures. District judge Tanveer Ikram granted Barton unconditional bail, with a future court date set for February 13. Barton has previously described the charges as