A Welsh rugby player died after being punched in the head by a security guard while on holiday in Turkey, an inquest opening has heard.
Incident at a bar
Scot James, from Maesteg, died at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital on Sunday, July 26, following an alleged assault at a bar while he was abroad. A brief inquest opening at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Tuesday heard that Mr James was on holiday at a resort in Turkey when an incident occurred in the early hours of July 5.
Following what was described as a "verbal exchange", the 34-year-old was punched once by a security guard at a bar causing him to fall and hit his head. Mr James, who played for Maesteg Celtic RFC and was described by family as a "loving father, son, grandson and partner", suffered traumatic head and brain injuries as a result of the incident.
Treatment and death
The inquest heard he was treated in hospital in Turkey before being repatriated back to the UK. Despite the care of staff at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, Mr James died on July 26.
In a statement shared through South Wales Police following his death, Mr James' family said "no words can truly express the pain we are experiencing or the void his passing has left in our lives."
Post-mortem and inquest
The inquest was told a post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter at the University Hospital of Wales on August 3. A provisional cause of death was given as blunt head injury, including a left temporal parietal fracture and right inferior cerebral contusion, pending histology.
Area coroner Rachel Knight said it was necessary to open a full inquest because she was satisfied there was reason to suspect Mr James' death may have been unnatural. Ms Knight said that as police in Turkey will potentially be investigating Mr James' death, she will schedule a mention hearing in four months' time for an update from them.
She said it may be necessary to pause the inquest proceedings pending the outcome of any criminal investigation and confirmed that the court will be liaising with the Turkish authorities. Police in Turkey are understood to be investigating Mr James' death, along with assistance from the Foreign Office.
Tributes
Following his death, Maesteg Celtic RFC said he will be remembered "as an outstanding player and a great character". "We are deeply saddened to share the heartbreaking news that our former player, Scot James, sadly passed away," the club said in a statement.
"Everyone at the club is devastated by this news and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. Scot will be remembered as an outstanding player and a great character and friend by everyone who had the pleasure of sharing the field with him."
A tribute from his family read: "Our beloved Scot was at the centre of our family and was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. He was a devoted son, grandson, brother, partner, father, uncle and friend, whose kindness and loyalty touched countless lives. He had a warm heart, a great sense of humour, and a natural ability to bring people together, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As a family we are heartbroken by his loss. No words can truly express the pain we are experiencing or the void his passing has left in our lives. We will treasure the time we shared with him and hold him close in our hearts always. Although Scot’s life was taken far too soon, the love he gave and the impact he had on those around him will never be forgotten. We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support, kindness and compassion shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time. We also extend our sincere thanks to all those who have cared for Scot and supported us throughout this ordeal. We respectfully ask that our family’s privacy is honoured as we grieve together and begin to come to terms with this devastating loss."
