Fresh blow for family of dad facing US deportation

Aug 10 2008 by Ben Glaze, Wales On Sunday

THE family of a Welshman caged in a US jail is in turmoil, relatives said last night.

Barry-born dad-of-two Zak Ashenhurst, 35, is being held ahead of his deportation from California for a teenage prank committed nearly 20 years ago.

His incarceration means he has not seen the horrific injuries his younger son Nicki suffered after running through a glass door. Five-year-old Nicki’s freak accident left him needing 13 stitches in his cheek and eight on his chin. He is scarred for life.

From her home in Los Gatos, California, Mr Ashenhurst’s sister Courtenay Craig said: “Nicki was running through the house after his cousin Sammi, a girl who is a year younger.

“As they were running he hit this sliding glass door which was so clean they did not see it was a window.

“He caught it all in the face and eyes and he has got scarring on his chin, cheek and arms.

“It was scary. Zak hasn’t even seen him, so he does not know what it is like.

“He is very upset.â€