Attack ‘shattered’ kidney

Apr 24 2008 by Catherine Evans, Merthyr Express

A YOUNG man attacked on a night out in Merthyr Tydfil faced the possibility of having a kidney removed because of his injuries.

Nathan Williams, of Bryn Carwyn, Dowlais, was assaulted on Saturday, March 8 near the Civic Centre on Castle Street.

The 21-year-old spent a week in the University Hospital of Wales recovering from a clot on one of his kidneys and a recent scan showed it has been ‘shattered’.

At one point, Nathan and his family feared the lacerated organ would need to be taken out if it did not respond to treatment.

Doctors have since told Nathan that while the kidney should heal itself eventually, he could face health problems later in life.

On the night of the attack, Nathan had been out in the Splash Bar on Glebeland Street following the Six Nations Ireland v Wales match.

As he left and walked towards the Kirkhouse nightclub between 10pm and 10.30pm, he was attacked.

Nathan, who works at OP Chocolates, said: “I can’t really remember much – I don’t even remember if I was walking with anyone. When it happened and I was on the ground, I remember someone saying ‘that’s enough’

“There were two of them but I didn’t see their faces. I can’t remember anything until I got home.”

“I’d broken my nose and had cuts on my face, as well as what had happened to my kidney.”

Not realising how badly injured he was, Nathan managed to make his way home. He believes he must have got into a taxi somewhere near the scene of the assault and hopes the driver will remember him and come forward.

Since the attack, Nathan has been on medication to try and repair the damage to his system and will be away from work for the next few months.

“I’m okay but my injuries are making everyday things difficult for me,” He said.

“I haven’t been down to town since and I doubt I’ll be going down there for a while.”

His mother Sharon said it came as a big shock to find out Nathan could suffer from kidney problems later in his life.

“It was frightening when he was in hospital but we thought he’d be okay,” She said.

“I wouldn’t want him to go to town now. I’d be too worried. It was a rugby night so people had had a drink but there’s no excuse for what happened.”

Nathan still had his mobile phone on him after the attack but isn’t sure if money was taken from his pocket.

Merthyr Police say CCTV inquiries have drawn a blank and would urge any witnesses to come forward.

Nathan was wearing a blue and white stripped Henley’s t-shirt and blue jeans at the time of the assault.

If you believe you were the taxi driver who took Nathan home or you have information regarding the attack, please contact Pc Louise Tyler on 01685 722541, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.