Broadcaster Jeremy Vine has told a court that being called a “bike nonce” in posts on social media by former footballer Joey Barton left him “completely devastated”.
Ex-Man City player Mr Barton is alleged to have “crossed the line between free speech and a crime” with messages he posted on X about the TV and radio presenter, as well as football commentators Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.
Mr Barton, 43, who has 2.7 million followers on the platform, is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court and denies 12 counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
Mr Vine told the trial the posts left him having “sleepless nights” and feeling “scared and upset”.
The court heard Mr Vine replied on on 8 January 2024 to a post Mr Barton had made on X that likened Ms Aluko and Ms Ward to the “Fred and Rose West of football commentary”, after an FA Cup tie between Crystal Palace and Everton.
Peter Wright KC, prosecuting, asked Mr Vine about why he became engaged in the conversation.
Mr Vine told the court: “I thought it was very vicious to post their faces over two mass murderers of children.
“I was looking for an explanation and said about a brain injury as a way of underlining my own feelings that he had crossed a line.”
Simon Csoka KC, defending, said: “Are you genuinely raising concern about Mr Barton having a head injury or are you taking the mick?”
Mr Vine responded: “I’m raising it by giving it that level of insight, which is kind of the thing on social media.”
The court also heard Mr Vine was made to “feel physically unsafe” after he claimed Mr Barton had posted a picture of his address online.
He said: “I genuinely believe what Barton did made me physically unsafe. I took some advice about my security. I varied my movements. I didn’t want to communicate the dangers [to my daughters].
“Because of this cloud of filth Barton had released I had to explain to them. I can only summarise by saying I believe these messages put me in physical danger.”
Mr Barton, from Widnes, Cheshire, denies the alleged offences said to have been committed between January and March last year.
As well as Manchester City, Mr Barton also played for Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Marseilles before he moved into management after his retirement.
He was sacked from his most recent role of manager at Bristol Rovers in October 2023 after almost three years in charge.
The trial continues.
