Welsh Rugby League player left in a coma was attacked, family says

The family of former Wales Dragonhearts full-back Scott Bessant, who is still in a coma after been found seriously injured seven weeks ago, believe he was attacked.

A member of the public found the 34-year-old lying next to Pentwyn Lane bridge on August 13 after leaving a pub shortly after 5am.

Despite appealing for information, Gwent Police are no closer to finding out what happened and Bessant’s family are unhappy with the investigation to date.

Speaking to Wales Online, brother-in-law, Neil Chere, said: “He still remains in a coma and the outcome yet we still don’t know and it’s a long road ahead at the moment.

“We don’t know what’s happened but with the horrific injuries that have happened we don’t think this is an accident.

“The family are not happy with how it’s been investigated. The family are not going to hold back.”

Bessant, who has suffered multiple fractures, played for Newport Titans and Torfaen Tigers during his rugby league career, leading to his Dragonhearts caps.

He was once in contention for a place in the Celtic Crusaders squad, which was only thwarted due to illness at the time. He went on to coach the Titans and has more recently been on the Tigers coaching staff.

After receiving the complaint from Bessant’s family, a spokesman for Gwent Police said the force “acknowledge” the concerns raised and will investigate further.

Anyone with information is urged to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log number 136 of August 13 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.