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Former footballer Joey Barton has appeared in court accused of sending offensive messages on social media to pundit Lucy Ward and broadcaster Jeremy Vine.
The 42-year-old, of Widnes, Cheshire, spoke only to give his name and date of birth at the 20-minute hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.
He has previously denied sending communications of an indecent or grossly offensive nature on the platform X to ex-England footballer Ward and TV and radio presenter Vine between January and March last year, with the intention of causing distress or anxiety.
The crown court hearing dealt largely with administrative matters which cannot be reported ahead of a trial.
The former Manchester City, Newcastle, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers midfielder, from Widnes, Cheshire, had his unconditional bail extended.
A pre-trial hearing is next scheduled for 14 March.
