Former footballer Joey Barton has been ordered to pay Eni Aluko £300,000 after comparing the female pundit to Rose West in a string of posts.

Barton, 43, was found guilty by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety. The trial heard he had “crossed the line between free speech and a crime” with six posts on X including comparing Aluko one of the serial killer duo Fred and Rose West between January and March 2024.

Barton, originally of Huyton, Merseyside, was given six months in custody, suspended for 18 months.

According to a court order seen the total is £339,000 – with the first £100,000 plus interest due by March 24. Barton was granted seven days to change the order by Mr Justice Lavender.

Eni, who attended court today, said after the hearing: “I’m glad it’s the end.”

In another development, Barton has been charged with an assault near a golf club on the day of this sentencing.