A police officer caught on camera hitting a teenage football fan around the head with a baton has been found dead just weeks before his trial for malicious wounding.
The body of PC William Sampson, 26, was found at his terraced home in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, last Friday.His family say that he had taken his life.
PC Sampson, Situs Slot Gacor known as Billy, was due to go on trial next month after being accused of assaulting a 16-year-old Sheffield Wednesday supporter.
He had denied a charged of unlawful and malicious wounding after striking the boy across the head in a scuffle after Wednesday's match at Barnsley in February 2020.
Shocking footage shared online showed PC Sampson lunge towards the boy with his baton in the air and strike him on the top of his head.
PC William Sampson is pictured arriving at Leeds Magistrates' Court in December 2020
Shocking footage shared showed PC Sampson lunge towards the boy with his baton in the air
Blood was seen pouring from the teenager's head as he collapsed to the ground.
In the video, the officer is urged to calm down as someone is heard off camera saying 'he's injured, he's injured'.
Graphic photographs later showed a nasty gash, over an inch long, on the boy's head.
A witness wrote on Facebook: 'I saw the whole incident, the copper must have run 50 yards and had time to think about the situation.
'He could have quite easily hit him below the head, that was calculated, he knew exactly what he was doing.
PC Sampson is seen talking to the boy as he sits on the ground after receiving the blow
The boy was struck across the head in a scuffle after a football match at Barnsley in 2020
Blood was seen pouring from the teenager's head as he collapsed to the ground
Graphic photographs later showed a nasty gash, over an inch long, on the boy's head
'I insisted to another copper that I wanted to report an assault and got told to go away.PC 3139 will get away with it, SYP corrupt to the core.'
Had he been found guilty of the offence, PC Sampson faced up to five years in prison.
A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police confirmed today: 'We are incredibly saddened by news of Billy's death.Our thoughts remain with Billy's family and loved ones and they will be offered our full support.'
PC Sampson had been among officers responding to reports of trouble between Barnsley and Wednesday fans in Barnsley town centre.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation into the incident and advised PC Sampson that he was the subject of a criminal investigation, whilst also been investigated for possible gross misconduct.
PC Sampson is pictured with his mother Nicky Sampson. His family say that he took his life
PC Sampson is pictured with his mother Nicky Sampson. His body was found at his home
South Yorkshire Police said PC Sampson was still working for the force but on restricted duties
He was charged nine months later and pleaded not guilty last January.
South Yorkshire Police revealed that he was still working for the force but on restricted duties.
A spokesman for the CPS said: 'We have notified the Crown Court of the current position and that a trial will not be required.There will be a formal hearing at which the indictment will be stayed.'
A neighbour of Mr Sampson told MailOnline: 'It's very sad. I knew he was a police officer but I didn't see all that much of him as he was on shift.
'He's been living here for about five years.He had a girlfriend but the relationship ended last year.'
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See
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