Lancing man charged with murder found not guilty

A Lancing man charged with murdering his grandmother in Brighton has been found not guilty at court.

Pietro Addis, 19, of Ring Road, was acquitted by a jury at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, March 3 of the murder of Susan Addis, 69, who was found dead at her home in Cedars Gardens, Brighton, on Thursday, 7 January 2021. 

Following a two-week trial, Pietro was found not guilty of murder, on the grounds of diminished responsibility. 

He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter, and will face sentencing on May 5.

Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: "This is a tragic case in which a much-loved grandmother, who was widely respected in the Brighton and Hove community, has lost her life in the most terrible circumstances.

"Our thoughts remain with the Addis family and loved ones who have behaved with dignity and compassion throughout this harrowing ordeal.”