Comment

TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular former Brightlingsea resident whose body was found near Land's End.

Keen equestrian Michael Sampson-Bancroft was last seen heading towards a Cornish coastal path dressed in his riding gear.

His body was found on rocks at Lamorna near Penzance. Reports have said a suicide note was found in his car which was parked nearby.

Mr Sampson-Bancroft, who was 43, had lived in Brightlingsea before moving to Nedging Tye, near Stowmarket, with his wife Jacqui.

While in Brightlingsea he worked for mayor Alan Goggin as an independent financial advisor.

Mr Goggin described him as "one of the most professional people I have ever met".

"He was a lovely, happy-go-lucky bloke. There was no indication or anything outwardly obvious like this would ever happen."

Mr Goggin said Mr Sampson-Bancroft was involved in the Brightlingsea community including charity work and the Guild of Freemen.

He also served as a deputy's assistant when Mr Goggin was Deputy Mayor of the Cinque Ports.

Mr Goggin said: "He was excellent, first class. He attended everything and was totally reliable. At work and play he was one of the most professional people I have ever met.

"He was well-known, well-liked and well-respected. He was at the heart of the community."

Mr Goggin said the Sampson-Bancrofts had moved to Stowmarket because of their love of horses.

He added: "His wife phoned me and asked me to tell the people in Brightlingsea. He was so involved in the town and with charities."

Mr Goggin said they used to share a joke as Mr Sampson-Bancroft was a child star appearing in the finger of fudge advert while he was the unlucky fisherman in the Carling Black Label one.

He said: "It was his claim to fame and we had quite a bit of repartee about that.

"He was fun to have around, the last person you would think would do anything like that.

"It was unexpected, I feel total sadness and I know other people in Brightlingsea will do so too.

"He made a great contribution to my business and a great contribution to the community."

The Cornwall coroner has opened and adjourned an inquest into his death. The full hearing is due to take place later this year.

1:20pm Friday 9th May 2008

Print

Email this

Comment

Add your comment

Name:
Email: *
Location:
**
	e.g. 123-123
Comment: Please note: All HTML tags will be ignored. Format Text:
By posting a comment, I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms of use. Comments are not moderated but we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention and we may delete inappropriate postings. Please treat other people with respect. You must not post anything that is abusive, indecent, unlawful or defamatory. Remember, you are personally liable for what you post on this site. If you wish to complain about a comment, contact us here.
* Your email address will not be displayed ** To avoid register now or login