He was in the magistrates court this morning and he won't now appear in court again until after the season has finished in June. However, that appearance will be in the Crown Court. Magistrates normally dish out slaps on the wrist and fines. If found guilty at Crown Court, they'll make an example out of him.
Not so good as he now can get a prison sentence. Has he asked for a trial by Jury then? Strange to be referred twice to magistrates then for it then to be transferred to the crown. Hmmmm
Has to be trial by Jury for crown court. think it's only special sort of cases that are tried by a judge alone. Be interesting to see if the Jury members are asked if they are Saints fans or not, as they will all be from 10/15 miles radius of Soton. No real way the court can check, unless they have the power to see if names match Saints ticket database. If its one word against another, then Barnard could get off. The problem for him is if the CPS have CCTV footage that incriminates him.
I love him as a player. But, if he's guilty of a serious assault then he deserves whatever he gets. I could never defend him based on the fact that he's a saints player, and similarly I would not expect a judge to make an 'example' of him based on his employment. At least he's here until the end of the season and can focus on helping the team gain promotion.
If he's guilty then he has to take the punishment. But I just want him to finish the season for purely selfish reasons. If he helps get us to the Championship, I will be a happy bunny.
Do you think Saints will keep hold of him, if he gets a prison sentence. Some people have been saying he'll get the sack This would be a terrible decision, as he is here to play football and thats all I care about
6 month sentence, out in less than half for good behaviour and back with us for the start of the season, anyone?
Another reason for him to play well till end of season. Make it a difficult decision for NC to sack him should he be sent down.
He's always so calm on the pitch - I couldn't assume anything else I agree with you though that he has every reason to continue to play well and give 100% just in case. They've stuck by him so far and i'm sure that club lawyers have been involved right from the start - it's a brilliant thing about our legal system 'innocent until proven guilty'
i think if he goes to prison then the club have to sack him...........being a family club that would not look good if you kept him...
Thanks for your advice......We didn't Sack BWP for his misdemeanor why would we get rid of Barney? It is not the first time a player has had a brush with the law at a football club. They Didn't sack the likes of Joey Barton and co So why would we be any different? Cantana is another, how long was his ban....was that not for fighting a fan? there have been numerous down the years and to my knowledge they have not been sacked! So I somehow do not think we will be taking your advice!
if he goes to prison that is different than BWP..... Your a family club, so what example would he be to your young supporters? but he might not go there yet........
surly his contract would be cancelled automatically as otherwise he would still have to be paid if still under contract??
If he is found guilty. I think the club should cancel his contract and this would send out a strong message to other clubs who have players who have committed a similar offence on their books. sambaldockrules
For what it is worth we don't know what provoked the attack. I was led to believe he was protecting Harding but there have been many stories and none will probably be even close to the truth. It will be interesting to see what happens when he does eventually get his day in court. As for the fact that he has had the case put back a couple of times. Well that is a regular occurrence nowadays. One of my stepkids has been to court a few times and has never had less than three postponements.
