A YOUNG man has told how he was allegedly shot with an air gun before being knocked unconscious and suffering a serious head injury.
Student Fearghal Cross, 22, had been enjoying a night out with friends before the horrific attack in Huddersfield Market Place on April 28.
Fearghal, who works behind the bar at Huddersfield Irish Centre, said: “I had been out drinking with boys I live with and went off to get a takeaway.
“I remember a car pulling up – I don’t know which direction it came from – then shots being fired. The next thing I remember is waking up in the neurological unit at Leeds General Infirmary.”
Due to the nature of his head injury the Huddersfield University student spent several days in hospital recovering.
Fearghal added: “I don’t know if I hit my head on a paving slab or whether it was with a weapon. I don’t think it was with a weapon.
“ I fractured my skull and had bleeding on my brain.
“I perforated my ear in the attack so there was blood coming from it.
“I had four pellet marks on my neck and chest from an air compressed gun.
“When I came round in hospital I didn’t even recognise the boys I live with who had come to visit me.
“They told me my mum was coming, but I didn’t really believe them as she lives in Northern Ireland
“I just thought it wasn’t that serious – then the doctor told me it was.
“I still wasn’t really aware of where I was for a few days after that.”
Fearghal, who plays football for Heywood Irish Centre, was only allowed back to his student house on Tuesday because his mum Michele Mellotte is a GP and had flown in to look after him.
Fearghal added: “I’m not angry about what happened – I just want an explanation.
“I think it’s random – it’s nothing I have done.
“I am lucky as I am young and relatively fit but if that had been someone who had existing health problems then the outcome may have been very different one.”
Fearghal said he is now keen to focus on his recovery and putting the attack behind him.
“I will be on painkillers for quite a while and have an appointment next week for my ear as my hearing is obviously affected,” he said.
“I am studying product design in my final year so although I don’t have any exams I do have assignments due but the university have been in touch so for now I can just concentrate on getting better.”
Police confirmed a 31-year-old man and a 16-year-old youth remain on bail in connection with the alleged attack.
The investigation continues.
