Doorman attack victim Joe Sharratt suffered permanent hearing loss

Former Chorley Panthers and St Helens academy player Joe Sharratt was advised by medics not to play the sport again following the incident in December 2018 in which he suffered two separate bleeds to the brain but has opted to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a professional.

He was attacked outside Factory nightclub in Manchester city centre just hours after he represented Lancashire in a match versus Australia at the Etihad Stadium.

The Lancaster University student and his friend, Leon Cooper, were escorted from the premises in the early hours of December 2 after an altercation with a group of men, Manchester Crown Court heard.

A heated argument followed which descended into a brawl with punches flying at the two men from door staff, said prosecutor Hugh McKee.

One of the blows to Mr Sharratt was delivered to the face by “powerfully built” doorman Gareth Carr which knocked him unconscious as he fell backwards and hit his head on the ground.

The attack was captured on CCTV and on the mobile phones of members of the public nearby.

Mr Sharratt was treated in hospital for five days and now has permanent hearing loss in his left ear.

He also suffers from constant tinnitus in the same ear.

The court was told he had taken a year out from his studies before the assault to devote to rugby league.

He said the sport which he had played since a young boy was a “massive part” of his life.

In his victim personal statement, he said: “The doctors told me if I have another concussion they will not let me play rugby again.

“I was devastated.

“I have been given the all-clear to play but was advised not to but because it’s my passion I have made the decision to play.

“I just want to move on with my life and I don’t want this assault to take anything else away from me.”