Joey Barton has been spared jail for his ‘grossly offensive’ social media posts.
The Huyton-born footballer was found guilty of the targeted abuse of football pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko as well as broadcaster Jeremy Vine.
Between January and March 2024, Barton sent a series of posts on his official X account intended to cause distress or anxiety to the individuals.
Barton, now living in Widnes, was found guilty on six counts last month and appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing on Monday (December 8).
Judge Andrew Menary KC imposed Barton with a six-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months alongside 200 hours of unpaid community work.
He will also have to cover prosecution costs of £23,419 which must be paid in 28 days and adhere to a two-year restraining order for each of his victims.