Joey Barton, the former Premier League footballer who played for clubs including Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers (QPR), has been found guilty of assaulting his wife, Georgia Barton, during a drunken altercation at their family home in Kew, south-west London. The incident occurred in June 2021 and has now resulted in a 12-week suspended prison sentence for the 41-year-old former footballer, who was also managing Bristol Rovers at the time.
According to reports from the Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Barton and his wife, along with two other couples, had been drinking at their home while their children were asleep. The situation escalated after Barton allegedly threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father, leading to an argument between the couple.
In the heat of the confrontation, Barton physically assaulted his wife, leaving her with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose. The court heard how the attack occurred as Barton’s temper flared during the row, resulting in his wife suffering visible injuries.
Barton, who has a history of controversial incidents both on and off the pitch, faced severe legal repercussions for the attack. The court heard how Mrs. Barton was left shaken by the assault, but did not sustain any long-term injuries. However, the psychological impact of the incident was noted as part of the case.
The former footballer, known for his fiery temperament during his playing days, appeared in court to face the charges. Despite his guilty plea, Barton received a suspended sentence of 12 weeks in prison, which means he will not serve time unless he commits another offense within the next year. Additionally, Barton was also ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid community service and undergo rehabilitation for alcohol-related issues.
Barton’s lawyer stated that the footballer deeply regrets his actions and has since sought help for his personal issues, including his behavior and drinking problems. However, the court emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence and the impact it has on victims.
Georgia Barton has not publicly commented on the case since the ruling, but her decision to press charges and pursue justice has brought attention to the issue of domestic abuse, particularly involving public figures.
The case has once again raised awareness of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their celebrity status, and sending a clear message about the consequences of domestic violence.
