Ex-footballer Joey Barton has been found guilty of sending grossly offensive messages on social media, targeting broadcaster Jeremy Vine and football pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward. A jury at Liverpool Crown Court delivered the verdict on November 7, after deliberating for two and a half hours. Barton, 43, was convicted on six counts of sending offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety. The court heard that Barton, who has a following of 2.6 million on X, formerly Twitter, made several derogatory posts. He compared Aluko and Ward to notorious serial killers Fred and Rose West, sharing an image that superimposed their faces onto a photograph of the murderers. He also described Aluko as belonging in the "Joseph Stalin/Pol Pot category" for her commentary, claiming she had "murdered hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of football fans' ears". Barton was also found guilty of making offensive remarks about Jeremy Vine, including calling him a "bike nonce" and suggesting he had a sexual interest in children. This followed Vine questioning Barton about a potential "brain injury". Prosecutor Peter Wright KC stated that Barton had crossed a significant line, asserting, "Mr Barton is not the victim here. He is not the free speech crusader that he would like to paint himself to be." Barton denied all twelve charges, claiming he was a victim of a "political prosecution" and that his posts were intended as "dark and stupid humour". He argued that he was trying to make a serious point in a provocative manner. However, the jury found that his conduct was grossly offensive and intended to cause distress. The trial judge, Andrew Menary, warned Barton that all sentencing options remained open, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8. Barton was granted bail with conditions that he must not contact the complainants or discuss the case. Following the verdict, Detective Inspector Alison White of Cheshire Police remarked that Barton had engaged in a public hate campaign, causing significant distress to the victims. She expressed hope that the case would serve as a warning to others who think they can spread hate without consequences. Barton was cleared of six other charges related to the same incidents, but the jury's decision confirmed that his messages had gone beyond acceptable limits of free speech.