Former football star Joey Barton has been found guilty of assaulting his wife Georgia Barton at their home in June 2021. The incident unfolded at their house in Kew, south-west London, following a night of heavy drinking with two other couples. Barton, who played for Newcastle United and Manchester City during his football career, threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father during a verbal disagreement relating to a family matter. The court heard that after consuming “six to eight” drinks, Barton pushed his wife to the ground and kicked her in the head.
The assault took place while their children were asleep upstairs, leading Georgia Barton to call the police immediately after the incident. Despite initially retracting her allegations in a letter to prosecutors, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring rejected Barton’s account of events as “vague” and convicted him of a single charge of assault by beating after a two-day trial. Prosecutor Helena Duong highlighted Mrs. Barton’s 999 call to the police, describing it as “compelling evidence” of the assault, with clear descriptions provided by Mrs. Barton.
Mrs. Barton’s injuries, including a bloody nose and a lump on her head, were deemed by the prosecution as not likely caused by accident. Barton, who denied any physical altercation took place, was arrested in his bedroom on the night of the incident while still intoxicated. His defense lawyer, Simon Csoka, suggested that the timing between Mrs. Barton’s injury and the 999 call was unclear, and the injury could have been accidentally sustained. The court heard that the couple remains married and living together.
Despite the case being adjourned previously when Mrs. Barton retracted her allegations, the trial concluded with Barton’s conviction. The former footballer did not speak during the verdict announcement but stood to hear the decision. The events leading to the assault unfolded after a night of drinking with friends, culminating in a physical altercation between Barton and his wife. The details of the incident and the subsequent legal proceedings shed light on the complexities of domestic disputes and the legal consequences that follow.
Joey Barton’s case serves as a reminder of the seriousness of domestic violence and the legal repercussions that can result from such actions. The court’s decision to convict Barton of assault by beating underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their professional background or public persona. The incident highlights the need for awareness and support for victims of domestic abuse and emphasizes the role of the legal system in addressing and condemning such behavior. As Barton’s case comes to a close, it serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of domestic violence on individuals and families.