Police officer found dead weeks before trial for assaulting teenage football fan
A POLICE officer charged with assaulting a teenage football fan has been found dead just weeks before his trial.
PC William Sampson, 27, was filmed hitting the 16-year-old on the head with his baton after a game between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday in 2020.
The officer, known as Billy, was due to face trial after pleading not guilty to unlawful and malicious wounding at a previous hearing. He had been placed on restricted duties pending the outcome.
But South Yorkshire Police confirmed he was found dead at his home on Friday afternoon.
A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with Billy's family and loved ones."