Heartbroken family of rugby player who was found in a lane with 'horrific' injuries say they believe someone is hiding something over the incident

It has been nearly a month since Scott Bessant was found lying in Pentwyn Lane, Pontypool, critically injured and he remains in a coma at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Cardiff. Family members of the father-of-two say they think he was attacked and someone out there must know something about what happened.

His sister Sian Chere and her husband Neil have described the 34-year-old’s injuries, which left him with multiple fractures from head to toe, as “horrific”.

The couple, both 47, have been at his bedside every day, and say the entire family are facing a “very long journey” ahead. Initially they saw little glimmers of hope but then Mr Bessant was hit with secondary illnesses caused by an infection.

They say their main focus continues to be on uncovering what happened on August 13.

Mr Chere said: “As a family we are looking for the answers. We do not believe that this was an accident, we think he has been attacked and we will get to the bottom of it.

“We believe in our hearts that someone out there is hiding something or someone.”

They also praised the paramedics who were first to treat Mr Bessant for his “life-changing” injuries.

Mr Chere said: “Scott was relayed straight to the Heath hospital and from what we understand at the scene if it wasn’t for paramedics and the response doctor that turned up, Scott wouldn’t be here today. Without their intervention we would’ve been talking a different scenario.”

He added: “He is a gentle giant with a heart of gold, always supporting charities and he doesn’t deserve this.

“Day by day we’ve seen little glimmers of hope, but seeing him led in bed every day you ask ‘why is this happening?’ He had so much to look forward to.”

The father-of-two was discovered in Pentwyn Lane by a member of the public at around 5.15am on August 13. The Cheres had been preparing to fly out to Mexico to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in the following days but their plans were forced to be put on hold after receiving a phone call from Mr Bessant’s mother telling them the news.

In the aftermath, Mrs Chere admits that one of the hardest tasks has been to try and explain what had happened to her brother’s children.

“He’s a doting father of two lovely children, a boy and a girl, and it’s heartbreaking every day when they’re asking where Daddy is,” she said.

“They’re his world, and as a family it’s very hard to interpret the situation to the children.”

Mr Bessant is also a doting uncle to his nephew, Ryan, who has had the benefit of his unwavering support while he forges a promising rugby career.

“Scott adores him, and Ryan has always been used to his uncle standing by his side and training, so he’s found it very hard,” Mrs Chere added.

Driving up to the Cheres’ home in Abersychan, it is hard not to take notice of the numerous multi-coloured bows decorating vehicles and front doors.

The decorations, made by Abersychan florist Petals, has helped to raise more than £700 as part of an ongoing community fundraising effort which the family estimate has raised “thousands of pounds”.

Mrs Chere added: “We’ve had people knocking the door and cooking the family dinners. We’ve had little children drawing little pictures and selling them for 50p.

“They knocked on my mum and dad’s door and said ‘here’s £50 towards Scott’s fund’." Mrs Chere said: "It’s just been overwhelming.”

Support has also come from some of the rugby clubs Mr Bessant has played for, including Pontypool RFC, Newport Titans, and the Wales Dragonhearts.

A friend of Mr Bessant’s, Dorian Townsend, has also secured a personalised plaque from Liverpool FC, with players signing it with their best wishes.

If you were in the Pentwyn Lane area between 1am and 5am on Sunday August 13, or have any information, call 101, quoting log 136 13/8/17.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.