Summary
Joey Barton, a former footballer, received a suspended jail sentence for making harmful social media posts about broadcaster Jeremy Vine and TV football pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko. Barton was convicted of sending offensive messages intended to cause distress, resulting in six months of custody suspended for 18 months. He also must complete community service and pay legal costs.
Key Facts
- Joey Barton made offensive social media posts about Jeremy Vine, Lucy Ward, and Eni Aluko.
- A court found Barton guilty of posting harmful content meant to upset people.
- He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
- Barton must also do 200 hours of unpaid community work.
- He is required to pay more than £20,000 in legal costs.
- Barton's social media posts compared Ward and Aluko to infamous killers and made false insinuations about Vine.
- The court issued restraining orders, preventing Barton from mentioning the victims on social media.
- Cheshire Police stated the case should serve as a warning against sharing abusive messages online.
