Joey Barton says she is sufferer of 'political prosecution' over ex-post

Former footballer Joey Barton has advised a jury he believes he’s the sufferer of “political prosecution” and has denied he allegedly despatched offensive social media posts to “get clicks and promote himself”.

He advised a courtroom that he didn’t intend to name broadcaster Jeremy Vine a pedophile and described it as a “bad, dark, teenage joke”.

The former Manchester City and Everton midfielder has been accused of “crossing the line between free speech and offence” with posts on X about presenters and commentators Lucy Ward and Annie Aluko.

Giving proof at Liverpool Crown Court, the 43-year-old mentioned his reference to wine was “sudden”.

He mentioned, “Calling him a pedophile was not what I meant. It was a bad, dark and childish joke.”

“At no point have I tried to cause them distress or anxiety or put their lives or their daughters' lives at risk.

“I don't want people to fear for their lives, I'm a father.

“I can't believe I'm being prosecuted for this. Words on a social media site.”

The court heard that after an FA Cup game in January 2024, he compared pundits Ward and Aluko to “the Fred and Rose West of football commentary”.

fred and rose west Gained notoriety after murdering and abusing several women over a 20-year period.

Mr Barton is said to have called Vine a pedophile in a series of posts after the broadcaster sent a message asking whether the former player had a “brain injury”.

During cross-examination, prosecutor Peter Wright Casey said: “The reality is that you targeted these women and threatened them.”

Mr Barton, who is from Houghton, Merseyside, said: “If you're facing the public, you have to accept there will be criticism and reaction you don't like.”

Mr Wright said: “Is it true that, under the guise of your right to freedom of expression, you hurl personal insults and grossly offensive comments at people you think are fair game?”

Mr Barton, who has also played for Newcastle and Marseille, said: “I sometimes use foul language. I was trying to raise a serious issue in a provocative way.”

He denied that he was trying to attract more clicks and promote himself.

Mr Wright said: “You've got these views on women and their role in men's football, and these were strongly expressed by you.”

“Yes,” replied Mr. Barton.

Mr Wright added: “And if someone challenges you on it you double down.”

Mr Barton mentioned: “No, I defend my position.”

Mr Wright mentioned: “You say to the jury that your purpose here, firstly in relation to the female pundits or co-commentators, what you were trying to do was to provoke debate about it.”

Mr Barton, who additionally managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, mentioned: “That was my intention.”

He mentioned he felt he was being “politically prosecuted” from the primary knock on his door by the police.

“In my opinion, the state was trying to run me into the ground,” he mentioned.

“This is an internet dispute between celebrities.

“I believe this is a highly politicized matter.”

Mr Wright mentioned: “You have tried to deflect, deflect and deflect. That's the position, isn't it?”

Mr Barton replied: “I believe this is a state prosecution for whatever agenda they have to put pressure on people.”

Barton, now resident of Widnes, Cheshire, denies 12 counts of sending extremely offensive digital communications with intent to trigger misery or anxiousness between January and March final yr.