Broadcaster Jeremy Vine has instructed a courtroom he’s “absolutely devastated” after former footballer Joey Barton known as him a “bike nonce” in a social media submit.
Ex-Man City participant Mr Barton is accused of “crossing the line between free speech and offence” by posting messages on X concerning the TV and radio presenter, in addition to soccer commentators Lucy Ward and Annie Aluko.
Mr Barton, 43, who has 2.7 million followers on the platform, is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court and has denied 12 counts of sending extremely offensive digital communications with intent to trigger misery or nervousness.
Mr Vine instructed the lawsuit the posts precipitated him “sleepless nights” and left him feeling “scared and distressed”.
The courtroom heard that Mr Vine had responded to a submit made on X by Mr Barton on January 8, 2024, which in contrast Ms Aluko and Ms Ward to “the Fred and Rose West of football commentary” after an FA Cup tie between Crystal Palace and Everton.
Peter Wright KC, prosecuting, requested Mr Vine why he joined the dialog.
Mr Vine instructed the courtroom: “I thought it was very wicked to post the faces of two mass murderers of children.
“I was looking for an explanation and I said the brain injury as a way of underscoring my feelings that he had crossed a line.”
Simon Sisoka KC, defending, said: “Are you genuinely concerned about Mr Barton having a head injury or are you taking the mic?”
Mr Vine responded: “I'm enhancing it by giving that level of insight, which is kind of the thing on social media.”
The courtroom additionally heard that Mr Vine was made to “feel physically unsafe” after he claimed Mr Barton had posted {a photograph} of his handle on-line.
He stated: “I really believe that what Barton did left me physically unsafe. I took some advice about my safety. I changed my activities. I didn't want to be exposed to the dangers. [to my daughters],
“Because of this cloud of filth left by Barton I needed to clarify it to him. I can solely summarize by saying that I imagine these messages put me in bodily hazard.”
Mr Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, denies the alleged offenses which were committed between January and March last year.
As well as Manchester City, Mr Barton also played for Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Marseille before moving into management after his retirement.
He was sacked from his most recent role as manager at Bristol Rovers in October 2023 after almost three years in charge.
The lawsuit is ongoing.
With inputs from BBC