DEVASTATED (From Barry And District News)

DEVASTATED

THE mother of a man who was allegedly attacked outside a Barry kebab shop three weeks ago has spoken exclusively to the Barry & District News about her son"s injuries and the devastating effect the incident has had on the family.

Christian Hughes, aged 25, from Barry, was allegedly assaulted near Broad Street on Monday, July 18 between 12.50 and 1.10am, following a night out with a friend.

He was left with serious head injuries, and spent nine days in the intensive care unit at the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff.

Christian"s mother Jan, who describes her son as a "fun-loving person with a zest for life", said the experience has left the whole family devastated.

She also said that Christian had become concerned about the level of violence in Barry prior to the alleged assault, and that he used to say the town had "become rough".

Christian has of late worked for the family"s recruitment business, although he is in fact a qualified commercial diver and had been planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

But a fractured skull and a brain haemorrhage have left both him and his family unsure of his future, as the long-term effects on his health are as yet unknown.

In spite of all this, he has made remarkable progress.

Jan said: "He"s walking unaided now and his speech is fine. He spends his time watching DVDs and drawing, but basically he"s bored in hospital and wants to get out.

"He"s already talking about going back to work."

But she added: "The family have been left devastated by all of this. We have been to hell and back - we really have.

"It was just so unnecessary.

"You just don"t expect this in a town like Barry - a town that you have lived in all of your life.

"It seems that too many things are happening in Broad Street. We need more of a police presence to prevent further disturbances."

Jan thanked the people of Barry for their support, saying: "The number of people who have visited Christian in hospital has been amazing. We have a box full of cards and letters."

*A 21-year-old man and an 18-year-old man, both from Barry, have been charged with assault and are due to appear before Barry Magistrates" Court on Friday, September 2.