THE FAMILY of a former amateur rugby league player have called for answers after he was found lying in a lane in Pontypool with “life-changing injuries”.

Ex-Wales Dragonhearts full back, Scott Bessant, from Pontypool, was discovered at around 5.15am earlier this month, when a member of the public found him lying in Pentwyn Lane, Abersychan.

The 34-year-old – who also spent time at Newport Titans and Torfaen Tigers – is currently in intensive care, with Gwent Police investigating the incident.

Mr Bessant’s brother-in-law, Neil Chere has appealed for information over the situation which left Mr Bessant with multiple fractures.

“The member of the public (who found Scott) phoned the police and in a very short space of time the paramedics turned up bringing a first response doctor,” said Mr Chere, 48, who is urging anyone who may have seen anything overnight on August 12-13 to come forward.

“The family thank them from the bottom of their heart and if it wasn’t for their intervention, Scott wouldn’t be with us today”.

Mr Chere said Mr Bessant had left the Little Crown pub on August 12, and was “happy, full of life and in high spirits”.

But he also said there is a “long period of time” afterwards which cannot be accounted for.

“He is one of six children and his mum and father and all the family are just in bits,” added Mr Chere. “He has two children. We are just lost for words.

“We’re doing this appeal because we want to find out what happened.”
Wales Rugby League has also published an official statement saying everyone is “hoping and praying” for Mr Bessant’s recovery.

The ex-player was once in contention for a place with the professional side Celtic Crusaders, but was unable to join up due to illness and instead became involved in numerous coaching roles.

Gwent Police have confirmed that an investigation is “still on-going” into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bessant’s injuries.

A spokeswoman said: “A member of the public found the man lying on Pentwyn Lane next to the bridge, where the Pontypool to Blaenavon Cycle Path crosses.

“The man is currently in hospital with life changing injuries and remains in intensive care in a stable but critical condition”.

Mr Chere added: “We have a young man who was completely fit, did half marathons for the Bobath charity and was just a loving person.

“He is a big figure in the community and when you walk down the street people you don’t even know have come and shook your hand crying”.

“Scott would help anyone and was a true gentleman, and this is devastating for everyone.

“At this point we just don’t know what has happened. We’re genuinely looking for answers.”

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.