Police has stated that it is too late to prosecute after YouTube footage shows William Adams thrashing daughter, Hillary Adams, with a belt.

Uploaded on YouTube, it purports to show Judge William Adams cursing at his teenage daughter and using a belt to whip her for violating his orders to stay away from the Internet

Hillary Adams, who uploaded the video showing the 2004 beating, went on television in the U.S. to explain why she had done it, saying the beatings happened often when she was young.

After being shown the video, Judge Adams responded to the tape. He said: It happened years ago.. I apologized. It's not as bad as it looks on tape. Adams, now 23, said she had received an outpouring of support and encouragement since posting the video last week.

As a result of the furore, the video was examined by the District Attorney.

We believe that there was a criminal offence involved and that there was substantial evidence to indicate that and under normal circumstances ... a charge could have been made, said Tim Jayroe, police chief in Adams's town of Rockport.

He said the district attorney determined he could not bring charges. Police would discuss the case with federal prosecutors even though he did not believe federal charges would apply.

In the video after delivering around ten powerful strikes across her legs and backside, his wife then grabs the belt from him to take over, at which point he walks out only to return moments later with another belt so he can continue the beating.

The video is shown below:

YouTube