Former footballer Joey Barton is to remain in custody ahead of his trial next year after a bail application was refused.
Barton, 44, was last week due to stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to 51-year-old Kevin Lynch, at Fairway, Huyton, on 8 March this year.
But the case was adjourned on Wednesday and put back to March 2027.
Judge David Potter refused a renewed bail application on Monday when Barton, wearing a grey zip-up fleece, appeared over videolink from HMP Liverpool at a hearing.
The former Manchester City and QPR midfielder, of Widnes, Cheshire, nodded as the judge remanded him in custody before a pre-trial hearing on 11 December.
The trial will take place a year after the alleged assault, which means the defendant, who has one England cap, will have spent 12 months on remand.
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Barton is accused of attacking Mr Lynch after they had been drinking together at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.
Mr Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.
Barton also played for Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.
(c) Sky News 2026: Joey Barton: Former footballer to stay in custody ahead of assault trial next year

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