Joey Barton's name is once again making headlines, but not for his exploits on the football pitch. The former Premier League player has been handed a six-month suspended prison sentence for sending grossly offensive messages via social media to television personalities Eni Aluko, Lucy Ward, and Jeremy Vine. The sentence was delivered at Liverpool Crown Court on December 8, 2025.
Barton, 43, was found guilty on six counts of sending offensive electronic communications. The charges stemmed from a series of posts made between January and March 2024, targeting Aluko and Ward, both football pundits, and broadcaster Jeremy Vine. While he was found guilty on two counts relating to Aluko and Ward, he was acquitted on three counts concerning them. Regarding Jeremy Vine, Barton was found guilty on four counts and not guilty on three.
Barton's online activity has garnered attention due to his outspoken views, particularly his disapproval of female commentators in football. In one instance, he likened Aluko and Ward to convicted serial killers Fred and Rose West, sparking widespread condemnation. ITV, the network employing Aluko and Ward, released a statement denouncing Barton's remarks as "contemptible and shameful". The online tirade escalated, with Barton posting an image of Fred and Rose West with the faces of Ward and Aluko superimposed. Vine questioned Barton's well-being, leading to Barton directing offensive insults toward him as well.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Barton is required to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. He must also pay £23,419 in prosecution costs within 28 days. Furthermore, two-year restraining orders have been issued, prohibiting Barton from mentioning his victims on any social media platform or broadcast medium. Jeremy Vine stated that the posts were "profoundly traumatising" and described Barton as "a small man who feeds off the pain of others”. Barton is already paying Vine £110,000 in costs related to the posts.
This isn't the first time Barton has faced legal trouble. In March 2025, he received a 12-week suspended sentence for assaulting his wife in June 2021. This latest sentencing further taints the reputation of the former footballer, known for his combative style both on and off the field. The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Andrew Menary KC, stated that while robust debate, satire, mockery, and even crude language may fall within permissible free speech, Barton had crossed the line.
