Former Altrincham footballer Ryan Colclough has been handed a suspended prison sentence after a judge branded his attack on a man in a Derbyshire pub toilet as 'violent and grotesque'. The 31-year-old ex-Chesterfield winger appeared via video link from HMP Nottingham and broke down in tears as he learned his 28-month prison term would be suspended for two years.
Attack Details and Victim Impact
Colclough, a father himself, had travelled to the Red Lion pub on Church Street in Brimington with his partner and another couple on January 27, 2024. Despite not consuming alcohol, he launched an unprovoked assault on a man in the pub's toilets, leaving the victim unconscious. The victim, in a statement read to Derby Crown Court, described the incident as a 'selfish attack' by someone with an 'inflated ego due to his position as a professional footballer'. He revealed that his nine-year-old son 'could not even look at him for two weeks' because of the extent of his facial injuries, and his teenage daughter was subjected to 'cruel' jibes on social media after the attack became public.
Sentencing and Judge's Remarks
Sentencing Colclough, Judge Jonathan Straw said: 'I hope you now realise that on that night your behaviour in the toilets of the pub was violent, grotesque, uncalled for and unnecessary? You have an extremely short fuse and I hope you realise now that behaving in this way can have serious consequences? But having read and reflected on everything I am not going to keep you in custody any longer.' In addition to the suspended sentence, Colclough was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to his victim.
Career Background
Colclough, originally from Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, came through the academy at Crewe Alexandra, making his senior debut in 2012 and amassing 60 appearances for the Railwaymen. He moved to Wigan Athletic in 2016 and later spent time on loan at Milton Keynes Dons, playing 18 matches. After signing for Scunthorpe United in 2018, he joined Altrincham two years later, where he made 91 appearances and scored 26 goals. His form earned him a transfer to Chesterfield in 2023, where he made 89 appearances and scored 17 times before his contract was terminated by mutual consent in August 2025. He then joined National League North side AFC Fylde on a two-year deal in September 2025, but the club parted ways with him in January 2026.
Court Proceedings
Prosecutor Abigail Joyce told the court the victim had been enjoying his first night out since recovering from a fractured back when Colclough struck him 'with some considerable force', leaving him with bruising to his head and body and 'two extremely nasty wounds to his face'. Colclough denied the charge of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, but a jury found him guilty after hearing all the evidence. His barrister noted that the six weeks and six days he had already spent in custody had had 'a salutary effect' on him.
