Key Highlights
- Joey Barton was convicted of sending grossly offensive social media posts aimed at Eni Aluko and other broadcasters.
- Barton compared Aluko to serial killers Fred and Rose West during the trial.
- The jury found Barton guilty on six counts but cleared him of six others.
- Aluko expressed relief that justice has been served in a statement after Barton’s conviction.
Joey Barton Convicted for Offensive Social Media Posts
In a case that garnered significant attention, former England footballer Joey Barton was convicted on Wednesday of sending grossly offensive social media posts to Eni Aluko and other broadcasters. The conviction comes just two days after the trial concluded at Liverpool Crown Court.
Barton’s Offensive Posts
During the trial, it emerged that Barton had compared Aluko to serial killers Fred and Rose West in a post that was superimposed with their faces on a photograph. The post also included offensive remarks about Jeremy Vine, another broadcaster, referring to him as a “bike nonce” and suggesting he visited “Epstein island,” a reference to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Aluko’s statement to the court detailed how these posts were deeply distressing and had a significant impact on her personal and professional life. She emphasized that social media is often used by people to say things they wouldn’t dare utter in person, adding that such actions come with consequences.
Jury Deliberation and Conviction
The jury found Barton guilty of six counts related to the offensive posts but acquitted him on another six charges. Barton, who currently has over 2.6 million followers on X (formerly known as Twitter), was also convicted for calling Aluko “only there to tick boxes” in relation to diversity schemes and for suggesting she had “murdered hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of football fans’ ears.”
Barton’s defense argued that his posts were a form of dark humor. However, the jury disagreed, finding the messages to be beyond the realm of free speech into criminal territory.
Aluko’s Response and Future Implications
Eni Aluko expressed relief at the conviction in a statement released after Barton’s guilty verdicts were announced. She stated, “This is a reminder that actions online do not come without consequences.” Aluko added, “Social media is a cesspit where too many people feel they can say things to others they wouldn’t dream of saying in real life under the guise of freedom of speech.”
The case highlights the complex nature of social media and the challenges it poses for maintaining professional boundaries. Barton faces sentencing on December 8, which will determine the exact penalties he will face for these offenses.
Aluko’s statement and the conviction serve as a stark reminder to all users of social media about the importance of responsible online behavior and the consequences that can arise from crossing the line into offensive or criminal territory.
