Tributes to 'true gentleman' as killer jailed

Sam Wilson, 26, died at the scene in Ilkeston's Market Place

The family of a footballer who was murdered on a Christmas night out have paid tribute to "the most loving, kind-hearted, genuine soul that you could ever meet".

Zac Newman killed Sam Wilson, 26, and injured two others while at the wheel of his van in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, last year.

He was found guilty of murder on Monday and ordered to serve a life sentence, with a minimum term of 24 years, in prison on Friday.

Mr Wilson's family described him as a "true gentleman", adding "he’d genuinely do anything for anyone that needed help and always had such a positive attitude towards life".

'Taken far too early'

"Sam, our gorgeous blue-eyed boy, was the most loving, kind-hearted, genuine soul that you could ever meet," they added.

"Sam was always smiling, he had time for everyone that was lucky enough to meet him. He was a talented football player for his local team and supported Derby County, never missing a game."

In the tribute, the family questioned why this had happened to him.

"Sam wasn't just Sam," they said. "To us, he was our son, brother, boyfriend, uncle, nephew, grandson, cousin, and friend to many. We ask ourselves daily - why did this happen to Sam?

"Innocently enjoying a Christmas night out with his mates and taken away from us all in the most barbaric and traumatic circumstances. Far too early at only 26 years old."

During his sentencing, the judge said Newman was looking for trouble and under the influence of cocaine and alcohol when he "weaponised" his work van in the early hours of 16 December.

The 27-year-old, from The Crescent in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, was also found guilty of wounding with intent and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to two other men - Sean Cardwell and Daniel Rowley, Mr Wilson's friends who were injured by the van.

Newman was sentenced to four years for wounding with intent, and two years for attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. Both sentences will run concurrently with the sentence for murder.

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