Suel Delgado murder: Praise for Brighton police investigation

Police had to close the A259 for nearly three days as they gathered evidence surrounding the death of 20-year-old Suel Delgado in Brighton.

Detectives worked "tirelessly" to get justice for him.

Her Honour Judge Christine Laing QC singled out Detective Constable Robert Garrett for his work on the case.

She said: "I would wish to commend all those involved in this investigation, who have done a thoroughly professional job that we fully expect from Sussex Police.

Handout photo taken with permission from the twitter feed of @HLOBlog of police presence at Brighton seafront, where a 32-year-old man has been arrested after a car hit three people during a fight. PA Photo. Issue date: Sunday December 1, 2019. Officers w

"DC Robert Garrett spent painstaking hours of reviewing CCTV footage to find the relevant parts then organising the presentation.

"It was an enormous task and must have been thankless, but it was precise, accurate and of great assistance."

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday led the team.

He thanked the public for their patience over the incident on December 1, 2019.

Read more on this story:

• 'My heart is broken'- Suel Delgado's mother's emotional tribute to murdered son

• 'I would not wish it on my worst enemy' - horror crash survivor speaks out

• Iftekhar Khondaker jailed for life over Brighton seafront hit and run murder

DCI Friday said:"From the moment that this incident was reported this has been a fast moving and dynamic investigation, where my team worked tirelessly over many days, collating all evidence from the scene and securing evidence to charge them both.

"This took many days, during which I am aware Marine Parade was closed to traffic.

DCI Chris Friday from the Sussex and Surrey Major Crime Team

"I realise this was inconvenient for many, and I am grateful to the public in their understanding and cooperation."

Experts Richard Moller and Dean Beaumont examined the Khondaker's BMW.

They were able to show how the car had hit the men square on, and revealed how Khondaker had sped at up to 41mph, the maximum acceleration the the vehicle, in order to mow down the men.

DCI Friday said: "Our thoughts at this time are with the family and friends of all those affected by this.

"Although Suel paid the ultimate price, this terrible act will have a lasting effect on his friends and their families who survived or witnessed this attack.

"I hope that we have provided some answers as to how Suel met his death, and crucially who was responsible.

"Ultimately, we sought to identify who committed what is the most serious crime of all."