Sue Addis murder Brighton: Teenager accused appears in court

The teenager was charged over the death of the Donatello and Pinocchio restaurant owner Sue Addis.

Ms Addis was found dead at her home in Cedars Gardens, Withdean, on Thursday night.

The death of the 69-year-old mother and grandmother shocked the community.

Police charged the 17-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, with murder last week.

The scene at Sue Addis' home in Cedars Gardens, Brighton

He appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

Today he made his first appearance before Her Honour Judge Laing QC at Hove Crown Court.

Ryan Richter appeared for the prosecution during the seven minute hearing.

Meanwhile the teenager was represented by barrister David Sonn.

The boy, who police say was known to Ms Addis, was remanded in youth custody.

He was allowed to see family members following the hearing.

He will next appear for a plea hearing on February 11.

Last week, The Argus reported on how police were called to Ms Addis' £1 million home in Withdean.

Crime scene investigators in white overalls were seen entering the property.

Meanwhile officers also guarded the scene.

Read more on this story:

• Restaurant boss Sue Addis was rock of the family
• Tributes and shock over the death of Brighton restaurant boss

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said she saw Mrs Addis last week.

She said: “I’ve met her a few times. She came to drop some post off so I literally saw her last week.  

“She was a lovely lady who was dropping off post that was delivered to the wrong address. 

“I’ve seen her go in the mornings to work and I know she’s got grandchildren who would always come and play football in the garden."

There were countless tributes to Ms Addis, who was a prominent figure in the Brighton business world.

The scene at Donatello restaurant, Brighton

Her family ran the Donatello restaurant in The Lanes, and Pinocchio in New Road.
She was also a prominent fundraiser for numerous charities including acting as a trustee for The Argus Appeal for more than 20 years.

Her charity work also saw her provide long-term support for Brighton Housing Trust, the Martlets Hospice, and a host of other good causes in the city.

Sue Addis was found dead in Brighton

All three Brighton and Hove MPs issued tributes, alongside former council leaders, business owners, charity workers, and friends.

In a tribute today, author Peter James said: “So very shocked and saddened by the murder of Sue Addis. 

“An immensely kind and warm-hearted lady, she and her husband, Pietro were among the very first iconic restaurateurs of modern Brighton and contributed so much to turning it into the wonderful, magical city it is today.”