A former Premier League footballer remains in custody as his legal situation takes a serious turn.
The case, which first emerged earlier this month, has now reached a new stage following a court hearing in Liverpool.
According to the latest update, the former midfielder appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday through his legal representative.
The hearing focused on a bail application after he had already been charged earlier this month. However, the outcome did not go in his favour.
Judge David Potter refused the bail request after reviewing the case. Most of the proceedings took place in private before the final decision was delivered in open court.
Joey Barton has been in custody since March 10. That was when he first appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent.
The case relates to an incident that allegedly took place on March 8. The alleged attack happened near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Merseyside.
Prosecutors claim that the 43-year-old, along with another individual, was involved in an assault on a man identified as Kevin Lynch.
The second accused, 50-year-old Gary O’Grady, has already been granted conditional bail following an earlier hearing. But the situation remains different for Joey Barton.
Barton did not attend the latest hearing in person. His defence was presented by Simon Csoka KC. He will now remain in custody ahead of the next stage of proceedings.
The former England international is scheduled to appear again at Liverpool Crown Court on April 7. Barton enjoyed a long career at the top level.
He played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, Rangers, and Marseille, earning one cap for England.
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