Father seeks justice for son
A MAN is appealing for information regarding an alleged attack on his son in Beer last October.
Michael Potter, 26, was left with a shattered shoulder and broken arm following the incident outside The Anchor in the early hours of Saturday, October 24.
He was in Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for three days and needed an eight-hour operation to repair his shoulder. He also sustained a perforated lip, damaged teeth and severe bruising.
The law graduate, of Finchampstead, Berkshire, and his younger brother Nicholas, were part of a group of six visiting the village for a fishing weekend. The brothers were walking back to Beer Head Caravan Park when the alleged attack took place in Common Lane.
Nicholas suffered bruising to his face and damaged ankle ligaments.
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Although three local men, aged 18 to 20, were arrested, the CPS concluded the case against them due to lack of evidence.
Michael’s father Jerry is now urging anyone who saw anything to go to the police.
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He said the incident had had a ‘pretty devastating’ effect, leaving the once keen rugby player completely immobilised.
“Michael was planning a gap year, to go off then sort himself out career-wise but at the moment he can’t do anything,” said the dentist. “We live in the middle of the country so he’s relying on his mum and me to get around.”
Last month Michael underwent two six-hour operations to graft bone from his hip to his shoulder, which is held together with a piece of titanium and nine pins, to try and repair it.
Jerry said: “The consultant says there’s an over 50 but less than 75 per cent chance it will take.”
The family had been coming to Beer for 12 years, and had made friends, so Jerry can’t understand why this happened.
“I can’t believe the people of Beer would condone a vicious attack on an innocent holidaymaker so would urge anyone who knows anything to contact the police,” he said.
Investigating officer DC Amanda Rowe said the police would willingly reassess the case, should any new evidence come to light now. Call 08452 777 444 with information.
