Barton's Trial Begins Today
By Tyne-Talk
June 30 2008
Newcastle United's imprisoned midfielder Joey Barton takes to the dock once again today as his assault trial begins at Minshull Street, Crown Court, Manchester, his 3rd criminal trial of 2008. Barton is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm against former Manchester City player Ousmane Dabo 14months ago in a training ground bust up.
The 25 year old pleaded not guilty at a former hearing, but if found guilty could face a maximum of 5 years imprisonment. Barton, who is currently serving a 6 month sentence for assault and affray after being convicted of an incident which occured in December 2007 in Liverpool, will not be the only famous face in the court room.
Former Newcastle United players Stuart Peace, who was City's manager at the time of the incident and Sylvain Distin, a former team-mate, are among the witnesses expected to give evidence. Other evidence is expected to include photographic images of the injuries sustained by Dabo during the alleged assault.
Newcastle are currently weighing up their options with regards to Barton's remaining 4 year contract, negotiated in June 2007 when he moved to the club in a £5.8million, 5 year deal to decide whether it will be terminated or he will remain at the club.
It has been reported that Barton refused to accept a £30,000 pay cut to stay at the club, instead believing that the club were cutting costs as opposed to punishing him for his behaviour.
wonder what that will mean to his release date.
Or if it'll affects his contract with the club.
Wasim's Sport Blog
Toon4life
The saga as it relates to the club. Just dump him already, we don't need this yobo.
There was pure venom in that attack.
i was hoping for at least another six months, if only to help the club come to the decision to sack him. as it is, i wonder whether his sentence, which includes no jail time, will be enough to trigger the clause which we all HOPE is in his contract.
i only heard the verdict half an hour ago, but my gut feeling is now that he will be sold rather than sacked. it's quite possible to my mind that he would have a fighting (!) chance in an unfair dissmissal case, and that is the last thing we want to get out of this, because even if we won it would extend this shameful spectacle into next season
it's got to be about time the club came up with an official statement, now all the facts are in