New appeal after man left in coma by attack
THE FAMILY of a former Welsh rugby player left in a coma by a brutal attack have made a fresh appeal for information one month on.
Father-of-two Scott Bessant, 34, was found critically injured and has since been in a coma at the University Hospital of Wales with his devoted family at his bedside.
As one of six children, Scott’s parents and siblings have been taking it in turns to sit with him, praying for any positive signs. But so far there has been nothing.
And the family has again appealed for anyone with even the slightest bit of information to come forward. Friends have come up with a £3,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction.
Brother-in-law Neil Chere says: “We are constantly refreshing our appeals in the hope that someone comes forward. It might jog someone’s memory about that night. Even if it is something very small it could be something that could help us piece together what happened.”
The family have been able to work out Scott’s movements in the early hours of August 13.
He spent Saturday night at the Little Crown Inn in Pontypool watching local bands perform.
The ex-Wales Dragonhearts full-back left the pub with a friend and they went their separate ways around 12.30am to 12.45am.
But nobody knows what happened from then until Scott was discovered with “horrific” injuries in Pentwyn Lane, next to the bridge where the Pontypool-toBlaenavon cycle path crosses, by a man on his way to work at 5.15am on Sunday.
Mr Chere said: “We have spoken to a lot of Scott’s friends and have managed to work out where he was until the early hours of Sunday morning, but there around four hours where we just don’t know what happened.
“We are so grateful to the man who found him and the paramedics who turned up. What they did at the scene saved Scott’s life. It was that serious.”
The family were first made aware of what had happened when police arrived at Scott’s parents at 7am on Sunday.
Mr Chere said: “My wife and I were due to be on our way to Mexico to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, but there was no question of us going.
“It was the longest day of our lives, the doctors were telling us that they were monitoring him not just hour by hour, but minute my minute.”
At first the family were seeing little glimmers of hope, but then infection set in and Scott remains in a coma. But the family say they have been able to get through the dark days thanks to the support they have received around the world.
“The local community has been outstanding and we have received so much positive support it has been overwhelming,” said Mr Chere. “One night we asked people to light candles for him and we had people taking part in Nigeria, Italy and Greece. It has been unbelievable and has given the family real solace.”
Gwent Police are appealing for any information. Call 101, quoting log 136 13/8/17 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.