Joey Barton, the former footballer, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today regarding alleged offensive messages on social media.

The 42-year-old is accused of sending 'grossly offensive' messages to TV personalities Lucy Ward and Jeremy Vine on the platform X.

During a 20-minute hearing at the Merseyside court, Barton confirmed his name and date of birth but did not provide further commentary. He faces allegations of communicating indecent or grossly offensive messages to Ward and Vine between January and March last year, with the intention of causing distress or anxiety.

Today's hearing primarily focused on administrative matters that cannot be reported prior to the trial.

Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Recorder of Liverpool, granted Barton unconditional bail and scheduled a pre-trial preparation hearing for Friday, March 14.

Additionally, Barton, residing in Widnes, Cheshire, is set to face a separate trial in May for sending malicious communications to football pundit Eni Aluko.