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Retired footballer Joey Barton has been sentenced after being found guilty of six counts of sending grossly offensive electronic communications on the social media platform X. The posts were directed at football pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, and broadcaster Jeremy Vine. Barton received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was given a two-year restraining order preventing contact with the victims.

Nature of the Crime: Barton was found guilty of six counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety. The court ruled he had "crossed the line between free speech and a crime" with his targeted posts on social media.

Sentencing Details: The ex-Manchester City midfielder was handed a six-month prison

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