Overview
- Jurors at Liverpool Crown Court found the 43-year-old guilty on six counts and not guilty on six others relating to posts made between January and March 2024.
- The convictions cover posts targeting pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, including a doctored image comparing them to Fred and Rose West, and messages about Jeremy Vine featuring “bike nonce” and “Epstein Island” references.
- Barton was bailed ahead of sentencing on 8 December, with the judge reminding him that he must not refer to Aluko, Ward or Vine before that hearing.
- Judge Andrew Menary KC described a Union Jack scarf worn by Barton in the dock as a “stunt” and said it will not be permitted at sentencing.
- Prosecutor Peter Wright KC said Barton “crossed the line” and was “an undiluted, unapologetic bully,” while Barton called the case a “political prosecution” and described his posts as “dark humour.”