A detective has paid tribute to “much-loved grandmother” Sue Addis after her grandson was cleared of murdering her.

Mrs Addis, 69, was found dead in her bathroom after being stabbed 17 times by Pietro Addis, 19.

Addis, 19, of Ring Road, Lancing, was found not guilty of murder by a jury in Lewes Crown Court after a two-week trial. He admits killing his grandmother and will be sentenced for manslaughter in May.

Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, of Sussex Police’s Major Crimes 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."

Addis was found not guilty on the grounds of diminished responsibility after the court heard that he had a “delusional belief” that his grandmother was going to kill him.

Mrs Addis was found dead in her home in Cedars Gardens in January, 2021. Addis, then 17, was arrested at the scene, where he was also living.

Dr Peter Misch, a psychiatrist instructed by the defence, said: “Pietro’s abnormal mental function, including the belief that his grandmother would harm him, impaired his ability to form a rational judgement and impaired his self-control.”

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Following the verdict, Judge Christine Laing KC had described the case as “deeply sad and distressing without a shadow of a doubt”.

Addis was found not guilty of murder due to diminished responsibility. This means that on the balance of probabilities the defendant’s ability to understand the nature of their conduct, form a rational judgment and/or exercise self-control was substantially impaired.

READ MORE: Sue Addis's son Mikele on Pietro Addis trial in Brighton

Sue Addis was a popular businesswoman in Brighton and Hove who ran Donatello in The Lanes and Pinocchio in New Road.

Written statements from friends read out to the court described her as a “warm and generous person” who always believed her grandson would “turn things around”.

Addis will be sentenced for manslaughter on May 5 following an independent psychiatric report.