A ‘dream come true’ for Scott and his mum

Scott Vineer with his mum Helen-Louise and husband Paul Doney

Scott, who was best man at the wedding on Friday, at the Civic Centre in Lisburn was dressed in a sharp grey suit with a pink tie.

His mother Helen-Louise described the special day as ‘a dream come true’ as she married the man of her dreams Paul Doney, with her son Scott, as best man looking on.

Other sons Kurtis and Darryl were also there with Ben 26, who walked Helen-Louise down the aisle.

The glowing bride wore a full length, princess cut white wedding dress and carried pink and white flowers.

Scott remains in crutches, since his vicious attack in 2012 which left him with severe brain injuries.

Three years ago, Scott now 20, was left in a coma after an attack at Lisburn City and there were fears that he would not pull through.

Scott, who suffers from autism, was a student at the South Eastern Regional College at the time of the attack.

He was making his way home from college when he was beaten and left for dead, close to the towpath at the rear of the empty World of Furniture store on the Laganbank Road.

He was discovered with serious head wounds, by a dog handler in a disused showroom a day after he was attacked, unconscious and close to death.

Amongst his injuries, included a fractured skull, bleeding to the right hand side of the brain, and bruising to the left side of the brain.

His attackers hit him with large pieces of skirting board and went through his pockets to throw away his phone, so he could not phone for help.

On the day of his trial, in June this year, Ryan Craig, who is now 20, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was due to be sentenced last week, but the hearing was adjourned for pre-sentence reports. He remains out on bail.

Helen-Louise said that she was delighted to have Scott with her at the wedding.

“It means so much to me that he is well enough to be best man at our wedding,” said Helen-Louise. “Three years ago we were told he wouldn’t survive. And now look at him.

“There was a time we worried that Scott may not live to see this day. He was so badly injured three years ago in that attack that there was a very real possibility he may not survive. But he battled and he pulled through and although he still has some medical issues, he’s here and he’s alive and very much part of our wedding.

“I want to thank everyone who helped Scott be here today and everyone who has supported us.”