De Wilde mentioned that between January and August 2024, Barton revealed 48 posts referring to Aluko on his X account, including that he had “carried out a deliberately targeted public campaign of vilification”.
He mentioned one submit included a picture of Aluko’s head superimposed onto serial killer Rosemary West’s physique.
“The campaign amounted to an attack on multiple aspects of her life and personality,” he mentioned.
“Mr Barton’s campaign caused Ms Aluko enormous distress. When she sought to defend herself against Mr Barton’s conduct, and that of his followers, he criticised and attacked her for doing so.”
De Wilde mentioned Aluko was nervous that nonetheless she tried to cease the harassment, Barton “would exploit and manipulate it to use against her”.
The barrister mentioned: “Mr Barton has now accepted that his campaign against Ms Aluko amounted to harassment and that he should not have made the publications.”
According to a court docket order seen by the Press Association, Barton has been informed to pay £339,000, with the primary £100,000 plus curiosity due by March 24.
Justice Nicholas Lavender granted Barton seven days to ask to vary the order.
Aluko attended the London court docket earlier and mentioned: “I’m glad it’s the end.”
