Joey Barton, the former footballer, has been convicted on six counts for sending offensive posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. The court found that his messages were directed at broadcaster Jeremy Vine, and pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.
Details of the Case
The offensive posts were published between January and March 2024. In these messages, Barton compared Aluko and Ward to notorious serial killers Fred and Rose West. He also referred to Jeremy Vine as a “bike nonce.”
Court Proceedings
The trial took place at Liverpool Crown Court. Jurors upheld the prosecution’s argument that Barton had “crossed the line between free speech and a crime.” They found him guilty of six counts of sending grossly offensive communications.
Verdict and Acquittal
While Barton was convicted on these six counts, he was cleared of another six charges. These additional counts involved sending grossly offensive messages with the intent to cause distress or anxiety.
Impact of the Ruling
This verdict highlights the legal boundaries of free expression on social media. Barton’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences that can follow when offensive posts cross these boundaries.
