Court jails Barton for six months

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was today jailed for six months at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting charges of assault and affray in relation to a confrontation outside a McDonald's restaurant in the city in December.

The 25-year-old was arrested in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of December 27 after becoming involved in a confrontation outside a McDonald’s restaurant.

Barton, who has one England cap, admitted the charges last month but reporting restrictions were only lifted today at Liverpool Crown Court, where he was being sentenced.