'Alec did not deserve to die' (From Free Press Series)

'Alec did not deserve to die'

THE girlfriend of a Gwent man who died after being seriously assaulted spoke yesterday of her devastation over his death.

Hannah Clayton, 34, kept a vigil at the bedside of 39-year-old Alec Howells for two days after he was found bleeding on the doorstep of the home of his brother, Chris Howells, on Ashgrove Close in the Sebastopol area of Pontypool on Saturday night.

Alec's life-support machine was turned off on Monday night after doctors told family and friends there was nothing more they could do for him. The former Butlins redcoat and odd-job man had received serious head and spinal injuries.

Miss Clayton, of Springfield Road, Pontypool, said: "I'm just lost. I don't know what to think or what to do. It's just terrible.

"I hope they lock whoever did this up and throw away the key. Justice has to be done."

Miss Clayton spent hours talking to Alec as he lay bruised and unconscious on a ventilator at University of Wales Hospital, Heath, Cardiff. She sang his favourite song to him, Dilemma, by Nelly and Kelly, despite doctors saying there was no hope of recovery.

"He loved that song. I was saying to him 'Come on babe, help me sing it, I've forgotten the words.

"He was a lovely person who did not deserve what happened to him. It just wasn't Alec I saw lying there in that hospital bed.

"I was there when they turned the machine off. It was devastating."

Alec had two sons, aged five and 10, and a 16-year-old stepdaughter he raised as his own, all from a previous relationship.

Miss Clayton added: "He adored his kids so much. He just loved having fun with everyone."

Alec, who lived in a flat on Blaendare Road, Pontypool, had spent the hours before the assault at his sister's wedding reception at New Panteg Rugby Club.

Springfield Road resident Esme Leighton saw him on the day of the wedding. She said Alec looked "really happy" and "very smart".

Two men have been arrested and released on police bail following the incident. Forensic teams spent Sunday gathering evidence at the house on Ashgrove Close where Alec was found.

Anyone with information can contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111.