A man accused alongside ex-footballer Joey Barton in connection with an alleged assault has been seen for the first time.
Barton, 43, and another individual, Gary O'Grady, 50, faced court charges of assault causing grievous bodily harm following a reported serious attack near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Sunday.
Emergency services were called to Fairway around 9pm after reports of a man being assaulted near the club. The victim was reportedly discovered bloodied in the road on Fairway, near the golf club entrance, prompting the call to emergency services.
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The man sustained injuries to his head and body, with Merseyside Police confirming he is in a serious but stable condition. On Tuesday morning, it was reported that Barton and another man had been arrested in relation to the alleged assault before police identified the previously unnamed 50 year old as Gary O'Grady, confirming both men had been charged.
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Gary O'Grady, 50, of Seel Road, Huyton
Court documents on Tuesday named Kevin Lynch as the alleged assault victim. Mr Lynch is the former manager of several non-league football clubs in the region.
He held managerial positions at Colwyn Bay FC, Prescot Cables, Marine and most recently City of Liverpool FC, where he served just 50 days at the helm of the Northern Premier League West Division team, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Mr Lynch also serves as founder and headteacher of NexGen Academy in Dovecot, an educational establishment catering for youngsters with additional needs. The ECHO can now reveal the first photograph of O'Grady following his court appearance on Tuesday.
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(Image: Daily Post)
Huyton-born Barton clocked up 269 Premier League outings during his career, with 130 of those coming whilst at Manchester City. He earned a single England cap.
After hanging up his boots, he took the reins at League One outfit Bristol Rovers for a period.
In a development this afternoon, Merseyside Police issued a statement confirming: "Detectives have now charged the following men with Section 18 wounding with intent:".
"Joseph Anthony Barton, 43, of Fox Bank Close, Widnes. Gary O'Grady, 50, of Seel Road, Huyton.
"Both men remain in custody to appear at Wirral Magistrates Court this afternoon, Tuesday March, 10."