‘MY SON HAS BEEN MURDERED’
One year on... dad’s tragic fear over missing Sammy
ADAD has told of how he fears his son has been killed – on the first anniversary of his disappearance. Samuel Townsley, 28, was last seen in the city centre.
THE father of a missing man who was last seen in Glasgow city centre a year ago believes he has been murdered.
William Townsley made the frank admission as he appealed for information over the whereabouts of his son Samuel.
Samuel, 28, was last seen in Union Street at around 9.30am on October 19, last year. He asked to use the toilet in the barbers Rebel Rebel, and staff were so concerned about his appearance, they called the police.
A further sighting several days later at one of the city’s homeless services was also confirmed by officers.
William, 52, who refers to his son as Sammy, said: “In my honest opinion I think he has been murdered.
“A couple of times, he attempted suicide but Sammy was the kind of person that would shriek to do something, he never seemed to carry it through. It was a cry for help thing.
“I don’t think he had the bottle to jump in the Clyde and kill himself.”
He explained that his son led a chaotic lifestyle due to an ongoing battle with drug addiction, and admitted that Samuel had been in and out of prison as a result.
William, from Kilwinning, in North Ayrshire, said: “He was in prison numerous times, so who do you meet in prison? He took drugs then stopped, then took drugs and stopped, so you don’t know if he owned money or stole something.
“The police have been in the River Clyde four times now with divers and there has been no trace.”
He added: “My honest opinion is I think he has been murdered. Police can’t prove anything because there is no evidence. Their hands are tied as well.
“I know my son better than anyone, we were close and he has never called me. I have had the same number for years and Sammy knows it off the top of his head and he has never called.”
Heartbroken William spoke fondly of his selfless son who he describes as someone who wanted to help and speak to people.
He admitted that he is awaiting on news that his body has been found and said what the he is going through at the moment is “mental torture”.
HE said: “You don’t sleep, you are up at all hours and it is your head 24/7.”
The search for Samuel has been nationwide with Police Scotland divisions working together and specialist units deployed but so far all efforts to trace the missing man have proved unsuccessful.
Chief Inspector Brian Shaw, who is heading up the investigation, said they have considered all the different things which could have happened to Samuel.
He added that although his father believes he has been murdered, there is no evidence which has taken officers down that path.
He said: “There is no evidence at this time which would suggest he has been the victim of crime.
“Clearly, there is a number of hypothesis which we have considered, criminality being one.
“I have to say while Samuel’s family have that view, we have been unable to unearth any shred of evidence which would take us towards that pathway. But we do consider that.”
His sister Ann Margaret Allan, 33, previously told The Evening Times that Samuel is the missing link of her family.
SHE said: “We will never be at peace until he is found.”
Samuel is described as white, 5ft 3in with a stocky build and has short brown hair.
Chief Inspector Shaw added: “Samuel’s family are dis-