FAMILY NO CLOSER TO ANSWERS OVER MAN’S SERIOUS INJURIES
THE family of a former rugby player found in a lane with lifechanging injuries seven weeks ago believe he was attacked. Ex-Wales Dragonhearts full-back Scott Bessant, from Talywain, Pontypool, was discovered with serious injuries in a lane by a passer-by on August 13.
The “loving” father of two, 34, was found lying next to the bridge in Pentwyn Lane, Abersychan, at around 5.15am, hours after leaving a pub.
After being no closer to finding what happened to Mr Bessant, his family have now lodged a complaint with Gwent Police over their handling of the investigation.
Mr Bessant’s brother-in-law Neil Chere, 47, said: “He still remains in a coma and yet we still don’t know and it’s a long road ahead at the moment.”
Although exactly what happened to Mr Bessant hours after leaving a pub remains unknown, Mr Chere said the family believe he was attacked.
“We don’t know what’s happened but with the horrific injuries that have happened we don’t think this is an accident,” he said.
Mr Bessant had been to a pub called the Little Crown before he left at around 1am and was then found by a member of the public on their way to work.
His family said Mr Bessant suffered “multiple fractures” but, after spending weeks in intensive care, he has now been moved to a normal ward at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
Mr Chere said the family had officially complained to Gwent Police in relation to the handling of the investigation.
He said: “The family are not happy with how it’s been investigated.
“The family are not going to hold back.”
A Gwent Police spokesman said the force “acknowledge” the concerns raised and will investigate the complaint.
Detective Chief Inspector Judith Roberts said: “Gwent Police endeavours to provide an efficient and effective service to the public.
“When we receive a complaint we aim to resolve it in a fair, timely and professional way; ensuring that any opportunities for learning are identified, so that improvements can be made to the service we deliver to the public.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr Bessant’s family in relation to this case and will of course investigate the complaint in line with force and IPCC procedures.”
In 2009 amateur player Mr Bessant – then the top scorer for Newport Titans and having appeared twice for Wales A – was invited to train with Super League side Celtic Crusaders and hoped to turn professional.
But Mr Bessant, who had scored on his international debut against Scotland the previous year, was unable to attend training after contracting salmonella.
He lost two stone in just a fortnight and he said at the time that the illness meant “the best shot I’ll ever have at my dream of playing professional rugby was gone, probably for ever”.
Gwent Police ask anyone with information to call them on 101 quoting log number 136 of August 13 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.