A new application for bail by Barton was rejected, resulting in his continued detention. This decision was made during a video hearing at HMP Liverpool, where Barton appeared via a video link. His trial, originally scheduled for last week, has been postponed until March next year. A preparatory hearing is set for December 11. Barton is accused of grievous bodily harm with intent, a serious charge that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The incident in question occurred on 8 March 2026 at the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club in Merseyside, where Barton allegedly assaulted Kevin Lynch, a 51-year-old former manager of amateur club Prescot Cables. Barton denies the charges. He will have been in pre-trial detention for approximately one year by the time of his trial in March 2027.