Broadcaster Jeremy Vine testified in court that he was “completely devastated” by social media posts from former footballer Joey Barton, which referred to him as a “bike nonce.”
Mr. Barton, formerly of Manchester City, is accused of “crossing the line between free speech and a crime” with messages posted on X concerning the TV and radio presenter, as well as football commentators Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.
Mr. Barton, 43, who maintains a following of 2.7 million on the platform, is standing trial at Liverpool Crown Court. He denies 12 counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
Mr. Vine told the court that the posts resulted in “sleepless nights” and feelings of being “scared and upset.”
The court was informed that on January 8, 2024, Mr. Vine responded to an X post by Mr. Barton that likened Ms. Aluko and Ms. Ward to “the Fred and Rose West of football commentary,” in reference to their analysis of an FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Everton.
Peter Wright KC, prosecuting, questioned Mr. Vine about his decision to engage in the exchange.
Mr. Vine told the court: “I thought it was very vicious to post their faces over two mass murderers of children.”
“I was looking for an explanation and said about a brain injury as a way of underlining my own feelings that he had crossed a line.”
Simon Csoka KC, defending, asked: “Are you genuinely raising concern about Mr. Barton having a head injury or are you taking the mick?”
Mr. Vine responded: “I’m raising it by giving it that level of insight, which is kind of the thing on social media.”
The court also heard Mr. Vine was made to “feel physically unsafe” after he claimed Mr. Barton had posted a picture of his address online.
He stated: “I genuinely believe what Barton did made me physically unsafe. I took some advice about my security. I varied my movements. I didn’t want to communicate the dangers [to my daughters].”
“Because of this cloud of filth Barton had released I had to explain to them. I can only summarise by saying I believe these messages put me in physical danger.”
Mr. Barton, from Widnes, Cheshire, denies the alleged offenses, which are said to have occurred between January and March of the previous year.
In addition to Manchester City, Mr. Barton’s playing career included stints at Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, and Marseilles. Following his retirement, he transitioned into management.
He was dismissed from his most recent managerial position at Bristol Rovers in October 2023, after nearly three years in the role.
The trial continues.
Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
James Arthur among the line-up at Together Again in the grounds of Bolesworth Castle near Malpas in Cheshire.
Dave Wyness says his daughter’s partner being killed crossing the road impacted his whole family.
The Warburton toll bridge now costs £1 to use, up from the previous 12p a journey.
All you need to know as the region gets set to light up in a festival of fireworks and other frolics.
The ex-footballer is accused of making offensive posts about pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.