Former footballer Joey Barton has declared his withdrawal from social media platforms following his conviction for transmitting grossly offensive communications to three prominent media personalities.
The 43-year-old announced this decision mere days after a Liverpool Crown Court jury found him guilty on six charges.
His conviction encompasses two counts relating to football analysts Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, alongside four counts concerning broadcaster Jeremy Vine. The offences occurred between January and March 2024.
Judge Andrew Menary has scheduled sentencing for 8 December, cautioning that every sentencing possibility remains under consideration.
Joey Barton has decided to quit social media after his guilty verdict
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The former Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle midfielder received bail with restrictions preventing contact with or discussion of the three victims.
In his statement, Barton acknowledged that recent years have brought significant professional, personal and emotional challenges, necessitating a period of reflection.
He stated: "I've decided to step away from social media for the time being."
The former midfielder admitted that online intensity, coupled with personal pressures and errors in judgement, had affected his mental health and decision-making.
He expressed intentions to utilise this hiatus for honest self-examination regarding his communication approach.
🇬🇧
— Joey Barton 🇬🇧 (@Joey7Barton) November 13, 2025
Over the past few years, a lot has happened. Professionally, personally and emotionally and it has reached a point where I need to pause and take proper stock of everything.
I’ve decided to step away from social media for the time being.
This isn’t a decision I’ve taken…
Barton indicated plans to "reset, reassess my priorities, and think carefully about how I want to use my profile in the future in a way that's constructive, responsible, and true to the values I want to stand for."
During his absence, administrative staff will manage his accounts, with personal posting suspended until he feels prepared to return "better, clearer, and more grounded."
The trial proceedings revealed that Barton had subjected the three public figures to malicious communications designed to provoke anxiety and distress.
Jeremy Vine was among the three complainants after Joey Barton went on a social media rant
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Prosecutor Peter Wright KC noted Barton's criminal history and confirmed that victim impact statements would feature during sentencing.
The prosecution intends to request judicial consideration of whether offences against Aluko contained racial motivations. Whilst Barton claimed his messages represented provocative serious commentary or humour, the jury determined his conduct exceeded acceptable boundaries.
One conviction involved digitally imposing serial killers Fred and Rose West's faces onto images of the female commentators, though he was acquitted of verbally comparing them to the murderous couple.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Callum Bryce affirmed that Barton's messages were "grossly offensive with the purpose of causing anxiety and distress to his victims."
Aluko marked her football Hall of Fame induction on Wednesday, expressing relief that this challenging period had concluded. The former England international revealed that Barton's social media campaign had diminished her commentary opportunities.
She told PA: "I feel great, I feel a sense of relief that difficult chapter is all over."
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Eni Aluko acknowledged Jeremy Vine's support throughout the proceedings
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The broadcaster emphasised her determination to confront online harassment, stating she had "always been very clear about making sure there are consequences for that type of conduct online, because it is bullying."
Reflecting on her ordeal, Aluko noted: "You come out the other end of it and people recognise you for how you stood up and how you stood by your principles and values." She acknowledged Jeremy Vine's support throughout the proceedings.