Barton released from jail

Magpies midfielder out of custody

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 3rd January 2008

Barton Newcastle

Barton: Released on bail

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Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has left jail after being released from custody on conditional bail.

The 25-year-old Newcastle midfielder, who is facing charges of actual bodily harm and affray, has been in custody since he was arrested on 27th December.

Following an hour-long hearing in chambers before Judge David Swift at Liverpool Crown Court, Barton was told he can be freed from Liverpool Prison.

No conditions of bail were released by the court.

Barton's solicitor Daniel Weed had earlier said: ``Mr Joseph Barton has been granted bail with conditions until he appears at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on 16th January.''

Barton, who has missed Newcastle's last two games, was collected from jail by his Weed and Peter Kay, the chief executive of the Sporting Chance Clinic in Hampshire.

At an earlier hearing, the original assault charge against him was upgraded from a Section 39 common assault to a Section 47 assault occasioning actual bodily harm.