A man arrested for a late-night assault in Port Talbot town centre asked police, “Is he dead?” following the incident, as reported by Wales Online. The victim, identified as Craig Mayers, was attacked after spending a day at the beach. Two men were involved in what was described as a “cowardly” assault on Mayers, with Russell Myles knocking him down and Shaun Davies subsequently delivering a knockout punch while he was dazed and concussed.
The assault occurred on Grove Place in Port Talbot town centre on the night of July 31. Mayers, heavily intoxicated and dressed only in shorts after a day at Aberavon beach, encountered Myles on Station Road. The altercation escalated as Myles began physically assaulting Mayers, with Davies joining in later. A witness from a nearby flat reported hearing the commotion and witnessing the violent exchange between the perpetrators and the victim.
Emergency services found Mayers bleeding profusely and in a critical condition following the assault. He was taken to a specialist brain injury unit for urgent medical attention. Despite the severity of the attack, a CT scan revealed no internal head injuries, and Mayers’ level of consciousness gradually improved during his hospital stay.
Police launched an investigation into the assault, utilizing CCTV footage to identify the suspects. Davies was apprehended on Station Road shortly after the incident, while Myles was arrested in Swansea the following day. Both men, 42-year-old Russell Myles and 31-year-old Shaun Davies, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) during their court appearance.
Myles, with a history of previous convictions, received a sentence of 14 months in prison. Davies, on the other hand, was handed a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years. The judge, Recorder Greg Bull KC, condemned the attack as “cowardly” and emphasised the serious consequences of their actions. Myles was ordered to serve half of his sentence in custody, while Davies was mandated to complete rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programs.
The court proceedings highlighted the severity of the assault and the impact it had on the victim, sparking discussions around the responsibility and consequences of violent behaviour in the community. The defendants’ legal representatives acknowledged their clients’ actions but also stressed the importance of rehabilitation and addressing underlying issues to prevent future incidents.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of alcohol-fueled violence and the importance of accountability in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals within society. The sentencing reflects the severity of the assault and sends a strong message regarding the consequences of such actions. As the victim continues his recovery, efforts to prevent similar incidents and promote peaceful coexistence in communities remain essential.