Barton sentenced: Footballer gets suspended jail over x abuse

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Menary KC stressed the distinction between permissible expression and criminality. He stated: "Robust debate, satire, mockery and even crude language may fall within permissible free speech," but warned that "when posts deliberately target individuals with vilifying comparisons to serial killers or false insinuations of paedophilia, designed to humiliate and distress, they forfeit their protection." The judge conceded he was prepared to suspend the jail term despite being convinced the "custodial threshold" had been crossed, noting Barton had taken steps to moderate his online behaviour, though adding "only time will tell whether this resolve endures."

Two-year restraining orders were issued against each victim, prohibiting Mr. Barton from publishing any reference to them on any social media platform or broadcast medium.

In his victim impact statement, read to the court, Mr. Vine described the actions as "profoundly traumatising," leading him to feel his "reputation was sullied," adding that Barton "feeds off the pain of others." Ms. Ward detailed how the "barrage of hate" and Barton's posts, which she called "hateful," have left her "constantly afraid" not only of the defendant but of the people he had incited against her, resulting in her "questioning my own worth." Ms. Aluko described the malicious comparison to serial killers as "abhorrent and the most offensive criticism she has experienced in her life," noting she had to step up security, was too scared to leave her house, and cancelled engagements, resulting in a loss of income.

Speaking after leaving the court, Barton, who has 2.7 million X followers, commented: "If I could turn back the clock I would. I never meant to hurt anyone. It was a joke that got out of hand." He concluded: "Nobody wants to go to jail."

Read more: Tube Predator Jailed After Stalking and Sexual Assault Spree

A Cheshire Police spokesperson commented that they hoped the case would deter others from sharing "abusive and hateful messages," noting that Barton's posts "would have been seen by hundreds, if not thousands of people, and yet he showed no regard or consideration for how this would impact on his victims and their wellbeing." They concluded that the sentence comes with "a number of strict conditions and should he breach these in any way he may face the prospect of time behind bars."

Tube Predator Jailed After Stalking and Sexual Assault Spree