A ROOFER has appeared in court charged with murder after a Sunday league footballer was killed by a van that ploughed into a crowd.
Sam Wilson, 26, had just left a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire with his teammates at around 2am on Saturday when a van collided with them.
Zac Newman, 27, was charged with murder following the horror smash.
The defendant, who looked visibly shaken, today spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court in Derby.
Newman, whose girlfriend and two friends attended the brief hearing, was not required to enter a plea.
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The burly roofer from Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, was remanded in custody to appear at the city’s Crown Court tomorrow.
In addition to murder, he has also been charged with wounding with intent and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
Sam's sister said there are "no words" to describe the family's loss, on a JustGiving page which has raised more than £7,000.
She said: "Our hearts will forever be broken, and there are no words to describe the huge hole it has left in all of our hearts."
Euro Soccer Long Eaton Sunday League said: "The league would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and teammates of Sam Wilson of AFC Curzon.
"Sam lost his life in an incident in Ilkeston last night.
"Our thoughts are with him and those that he leaves behind."
Curzon AFC coach Wayne Riley said: "It’s taken me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning.
"But it’s with a broken heart that I am writing this.
"I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good.
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"Two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.
"He always played with a smile on his face was never greedy always wanting to set others up instead of having a go himself.
"I have lost a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate.
"Until I can be your football manager again Sam and we meet again on the heavenly pitch R.I.P you will be truly missed."
Two other men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and are now recovering at home.
COP PROBE
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is the senior officer leading the investigation, said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night.
“I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”
DCI Croome added: “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident.
“Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”
Anyone with information can contact police with the reference number 23*771155.
