Suel Delgado murder: Mother's heartbreak over Brighton killing

Suel Delgado was murdered by enraged BMW driver Iftekhar Khondaker in Brighton.

The gifted young footballer from Crawley died from his injuries. He was just 20 years old.

Iftekhar Khondaker, 34, has been jailed for life today after being found guilty following a trial.

At Hove Crown Court, Graciete Sanches Montero said she has not touched Suel's room since he was murdered and she cries every day.

She said: “My son was my best friend, my right hand. If someone could see inside my heart they would see it is broken.

Suel Delgado

“Suel had so much to live for, he was happy. I miss him so much, his life was cut so short.

“I can’t sleep properly, waiting for him to come home and check on me like he always used to."

In an emotional statement in court she said: “On November 30, 2019, was the day I saw my lovely son for the last time in my life.

“Suel was only 20 years old. He was not just my son, he was the man of the house.

“He went out to go to his friend’s birthday party in Brighton. He asked me ‘how do I look?’

“I was so proud of him, he looked gorgeous like always.”

She said Suel was the eldest of four brothers, the others are a teenager and four-year-old twins who still ask where Suel has gone.

Suel Delgado was killed in the alleged hit and run in Marine Parade, Brighton

Ms Sanches said: “I will never forget December 1, 2019. I used to love Sundays, even if I was working.

“But I was working when the police came and said my lovely son had been in an accident and he was in a very bad condition.

“The ground opened up for me that day, seeing my son in hospital and knowing I cannot take him home.

“My life has changed since that day. I am not myself and more. Sometimes I feel I’m not part of this world any more.

“No mum deserves it."

Speaking about Iftekhar Khondaker and his brother Irfan she said: “They have taken a part of me. I feel empty. No mother deserves to lose their child that way.”

Iftekhar Khondaker, 34, was found guilty of the hit-and-run murder of Suel Delgado in Brighton and attempted murder of Azaan Khan and Raja Zakir Khan

Tributes were left at the scene where Suel Delgado was killed, including flowers, candles and messages outside the Amsterdam Hotel in Marine Parade.

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One message on flowers from Rhi Rhi described an 11-year friendship.

The message said: “To my best friend and brother, thank you for the amazing and beautiful memories. Shine bright baby, keep shining.

Tributes have been left to Suel Delgado outside The Amsterdam Hotel in Marine Parade

“I will never forget you, I love you forever and always.”

Suel attended Thomas Bennett Community College in Crawley, and played football for Loxwood, but had also played for clubs across Sussex, and at Crawley Town as a teenager.