Joey Barton's victim left scarred after attack

Nov 8 2008 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United midfielder Joey Barton scarred a teenager’s face in a violent assault, a judge was told yesterday.

Barton, 26, was convicted last May of the attack which left Jordan Spencer with a broken jaw.

Mr Spencer, who was aged 16 when Barton attacked him, is now suing the former England international for compensation.

District Judge Michael Baker, at Liverpool County Court, was told the youngster was left with a scar on his face which can be seen from six feet away. Neither Barton nor his victim attended the short directions hearing.

Richard Edwards, for Mr Spencer, said he had an expert report on the youngster’s injuries from a maxillofacial surgeon.

He said: “The scar on Mr Spencer’s lip can be seen from six feet away.

“There is a (second) scar on his lip, which may indicate the presence of a foreign body, and damage to one of his upper left teeth, which dentists have said is now dead.

“Mr Spencer had previously been proud of his perfect teeth.”

In May, the footballer admitted the assault on Mr Spencer and was jailed for four months. He was also given a six-month concurrent jail term for a second assault during the same incident, which took place outside a McDonald’s restaurant in Liverpool city centre on December 27.

Barton was released from prison in July after serving 74 days.

Last week he completed a four-month suspended sentence for a training ground bust-up with former Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo, 31.

Barton pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm for the assault on Dabo which left the French midfielder unconscious on the ground.

District Judge Baker agreed to a request from Phil Alcock, representing Barton, that he be allowed to question Mr Spencer when the matter comes to trial.

The case was adjourned to an unspecified date after April 30 next year. The Liverpool-born footballer made his full home comeback for Newcastle United against West Bromwich Albion on October 29 and scored from the penalty spot.

Speaking before the game, he spoke of his determination to become a role model for youngsters and his commitment to reforming his image.

But he was again embroiled in controversy this week after a high-profile clash with Aston Villa striker Gaby Agbonlahor. Barton flicked the player in the face during an angry exchange.

There was talk of a Football Association inquiry into the incident, but FA bosses later ruled there was no need for any investigation.