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Les Incompétents, from left, Billy Leeson, Fred MacPhereson, Shaun Patterson, ex-drummer Laurence Templeton, Christopher Burman and Tom Howson |
‘We’re hopeful,’ say family of rock star in coma after attack
Shocked fans leave messages of support on up-and-coming band’s website
AN up-and-coming rock star in a coma following a brutal street attack is still unconscious but “getting better”, his father said this week.
Billy Leeson, 19, from Brecknock Road in Kentish Town, was attacked in Camden Road, just yards from his home, after words were exchanged with a passenger on a 29 bus two weeks ago.
His father, Mick, told the New Journal: “We’re encouraged but he hasn’t woken up. We don’t know any more than what the police are telling everyone.
“But we are very hopeful he hasn’t got to the stage where the description would change.”
Billy, a former sixth-form pupil at Camden School for Girls, is the lead singer with indie band Les Incompétents, who have supported Pete Doherty’s band Babyshambles. Les Incompétents, rising stars of the indie music scene, were due to play the O2 Wireless Festival in Hyde Park the day after the attack.
Billy has been in a coma since the assault, and had to have a piece of his skull removed to relieve the pressure on his brain.
Surgeons at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead have kept him in an induced coma.
His father, a world-renowned lyricist who penned the Bond theme For Your Eyes Only, said: “He’s getting better but apparently it can take several days to come round.”
Billy had started a Scandinavian studies and management course at University College London but dropped out after a term to pursue his first love – music.
He has been with his girlfriend, Ellie Bradshaw, for four years. The couple were returning from a gig at the Barfly in Chalk Farm at the time of the attack.
His older brother Stan, 21, said: “Bill is passionate about music and he has touched a lot of people’s lives. He’s an endearing character, who’s gregarious and always has an opinion and really lightens your load.
“But now we all feel so helpless and everything is just on hold but we have to be positive for him. We are all devastated.”
Messages of support from across the world have pouring into the Les Incompétents website.
One fan, known as Rubber Band and the Authority Cauldron, said: “So shocked to hear about this. Best of luck to Billy for his speedy recovery and much love to all those near to him.”
Another, called Emu, said: “The world needs more creative, imaginative and talented people like Billy. To be deprived of him would be a travesty. His music makes the world a brighter place.”
Les Incompétents manager Phil Halliday said: “Billy is really intelligent and articulate, great fun and incredibly talented.”
Transport for London, which operates the 29 route, has pledged to step up uniformed police patrols on the buses.
A spokeswoman said: “We take this incident very, very seriously. Our priority is the safety and security of our customers and staff.”
Assault charge
A MAN has appeared in court charged with attacking musician Billy Leeson in Camden Town.
Chartered surveyors technician Christian Taylor Briggs, 30, of Effingham Road, Harringey, appeared before Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with grievous bodily harm.
He was granted bail, set at £10,000, and will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on July 17 for a preliminary hearing. |
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