Former Crewe Alexandra footballer Ryan Colclough has been given a 28-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after assaulting a man in a pub toilet.

The 31-year-old, who appeared via video link from HMP Nottingham, became emotional as he was told he would not be returned to custody.

Derby Crown Court heard Colcloug drove to the pub with his partner and another couple on 27 January, 2024 and had not consumed any alcohol before the attack.

The victim, who was on his first night out after recovering from a fractured back, suffered serious facial injuries and bruising.

In a victim impact statement, the father said his nine-year-old son "could not even look at him for two weeks" because of the extent of his facial injuries.

Colclough, who left The Alex for Wigan Athletic in January 2016, denied assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, but was convicted by a jury following a trial.

Sentencing, 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 significant consequences."

The judge added: "Having read and reflected on everything I am not going to keep you in custody any longer."

The suspended sentence includes an order for Colclough to pay the victim £1,000 in compensation.

The court also heard Colclough, a Crewe Alex academy graduate, had spent 48 days in custody before sentencing

His barrister said the time in prison had "a salutary effect" on him.

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