Overview
- Barton announced a temporary break from online platforms, citing the pace of social media, his own mistakes, and a wish to return more constructively, with admins maintaining his accounts.
- A Liverpool Crown Court jury last week convicted him on six counts over posts targeting Eni Aluko, Lucy Ward and Jeremy Vine, and acquitted him on six other counts.
- Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, with the judge stating all options remain open and imposing bail conditions that bar Barton from contacting or discussing the complainants.
- Prosecutors said victim impact statements will be provided at sentencing and they will invite the judge to consider whether offences concerning Aluko were racially motivated.
- Aluko expressed relief and said the verdict shows online bullying carries consequences, as she was inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame in Manchester.