Joey Barton, the former footballer, will face trial for allegedly assaulting his wife, Georgia Barton, at their home in Kew, South West London. The trial was initially scheduled for 2022 but was halted when Georgia retracted her claims. However, the High Court has ruled that the case should proceed.
The alleged incident occurred in June 2021, during a heated argument. Joey Barton is accused of grabbing Georgia by the throat and kicking her in the head. Georgia was left with a golf ball-sized bruise on her forehead and a bleeding nose.
In March 2022, Georgia wrote a letter to prosecutors that contradicted her initial account of the events. She claimed that they were having dinner with friends and had consumed a significant amount of alcohol. She suggested that her injuries were accidental, occurring when friends intervened in the argument.
The trial was temporarily paused due to concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. Prosecutors stated that they did not plan to ask Georgia to give evidence in court because they feared she might provide an untruthful account. Joey Barton’s lawyers argued that this would put him at a disadvantage, as he would not have the opportunity to question Georgia about inconsistencies in her evidence.
However, Dame Victoria Sharp, ruling at the High Court, disagreed with the previous judge’s decision to drop the case. She stated that it would have been appropriate for the defense to call Mrs. Barton as a witness and for the prosecution to cross-examine her. Dame Victoria emphasized that no prejudice would have been caused to Joey Barton if Georgia had been called to testify.
Joey Barton and Georgia Barton got married in 2019 in a lavish ceremony at a country house in Oxfordshire. The couple has two children together.
Joey Barton had a successful football career, starting with Manchester City in 2002 and making 150 appearances for the club. He later played for Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Marseille (on loan), and Burnley. Barton also had one appearance for the England national team in 2007.
After retiring from professional football, Barton attempted a career in management, with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.
Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault by beating. The trial will provide an opportunity for both sides to present their evidence and for the court to make a final determination on the matter.