Joey Barton in court over online posts about Jeremy Vine and football pundits

Joey Barton arrives at Liverpool Crown Court (PA)

Former footballer Joey Barton has been accused of calling Jeremy Vine a “bike nonce” on social media and comparing female TV personalities to Fred and Rose West, a court heard.

Barton, 42, in a dark suit and tie and wearing spectacles, stood in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court, repeating “not guilty” to all of the 12 charges put to him of sending grossly offensive communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety under the Malicious Communications Act.