‘WE’RE GOING THROUGH A LIVING HELL’ Family of former rugby player in coma after mystery attack tell of torment
T HE family of a former rugby player who was found in a lane with lifechanging injuries say he is now able to open and close his eyes.
Ex-Wales Dragonhearts fullback Scott Bessant was discovered in a lane by a passer-by on August 13.
Mr Bessant, from Talywain in Pontypool, was found lying next to a bridge in Pentwyn Lane in Abersychan at around 5.15am, hours after leaving a pub.
He remains in a coma, unable to walk or talk, but can now open and close his eyes. His family say they want to be able to tell the 34-year-old that they did all they could to find out what happened to him.
But Mr Bessant’s brother-in-law, Neil Chere, said he fears their chances are fading away.
He has now complained to both Gwent Police and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) about the investigative procedures followed by officers and the way evidence was collected at the scene.
Mr Chere, 47, said: “We want to be able to stand in front of Scott and tell him we did all we could to find out what happened to him.
“We reported the concerns in September and we are really disappointed with them for a lot of things.
“No-one has really spoken to us about the concerns we have raised. We still do not know what has happened to him.”
The family say they first complained to Gwent Police in September.
“It’s putting strain on the family,” Mr Chere said. “After 60 days we still have not even been given the common decency to have been afforded the opportunity of discussing these allegations of neglect in any shape or form.”
Mr Chere claimed that apart from a phone call and a few texts, the family have had very little communication with the police.
He also said the family asked officers to re-appeal for people to come forward with information about the incident, but claim Gwent Police refused to do this.
He said: “We, as a family, are going through a living hell every day while Scott tries to overcome his horrific injuries. We can’t believe what’s gone on. It’s been horrendous.”
The IPCC said the complaint has been passed onto Gwent Police.
A spokesman for the IPCC said: “We received a referral of a complaint in early October from Gwent Police.
“After assessment we decided it is suitable for the force to carry out an investigation into the complaint.”
Gwent Police said appeals for information have been released via the media and its website.
Notices have also been posted on the force’s social media pages and they said all information received following the appeals was explored.
A spokeswoman for Gwent Police 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.
“This matter was referred to the IPCC for independent review and following assessment, it was decided by them that this complaint was suitable for the force to continue an investigation into the complaint which is ongoing.
“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 procedures.
“Mr Bessant’s family will have a right of appeal to the IPCC at its conclusion if not satisfied by the findings or outcome.”