It's Doesn't Rain - But It Pours - For Barton!

Mr Tandy was a trainee with Manchester City at the time when Barton - a senior player and emerging star - attacked him during the 2004 Christmas party.

Mr Tandy claims he suffered a "major psychiatric deterioration".

Today, the courts confirmed that Barton has been served with a claim from Jordan Spencer, and will next be dealt with on November 7 at Liverpool County Court.

Barton, 25, attacked Mr Spencer, then aged 16, in the early hours of December 27 outside a Liverpool city centre McDonald's.

The player, who admitted the offence and later admitted another attack on former colleague Ousmane Dabo, was jailed for six months for the assault - which he launched after drinking several pints and bottles of beer.