Former Altrincham winger Ryan Colclough has avoided an immediate prison term after being convicted of a violent assault that left a fellow pub-goer unconscious.
The 31-year-old, who scored 26 goals in 91 appearances for the Robins between 2020 and 2023, was sentenced at Derby Crown Court to 28 months in prison, suspended for two years, for assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.
Colclough, appearing via video link from HMP Nottingham, broke down in tears as Judge Jonathan Straw told him he would not remain in custody.
He had already served six weeks and six days behind bars, which his barrister said had had a "salutary effect" on him.
The attack took place in the toilets of the Red Lion pub on Church Street, Brimington, on January 27, 2024. Colclough had travelled there with his partner and another couple and had drunk no alcohol before the assault.
His victim - a father enjoying his first night out after recovering from a fractured back - was struck with considerable force, suffering bruising to his head and body and two serious facial wounds.
Judge Straw described Colclough's behaviour that night as "violent, grotesque, uncalled for and unnecessary", telling him he had "an extremely short fuse" and warning of the serious consequences of such actions.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, the injured man said his nine-year-old son was too frightened to look at him for a fortnight because of his injuries, and that his teenage daughter faced cruel taunts on social media once news of the attack spread.
He described the assault as selfish, blaming an inflated ego linked to Colclough's status as a professional footballer, and said the incident had "ruined my faith in people".
Colclough denied the charge but was found guilty by a jury. He was also ordered to pay his victim £1,000 in compensation.
The Clowne-based player, originally from Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent, came through Crewe Alexandra's academy before spells at Wigan Athletic, MK Dons and Scunthorpe United.
He joined Altrincham in 2020, where his form earned a move to Chesterfield in 2023. He made 89 appearances for the Spireites, scoring 17 goals, before leaving by mutual consent in August 2025. A short spell at AFC Fylde ended in January 2026.
