Sue Addis's close friend tells of shock at killing of popular Brighton restaurant owner

In an emotional statement read to court, Denise Taylor said she was informed of her friend’s death on January 8 last year.

Mrs Addis's grandson Pietro Addis, 19, is on trial and admits stabbing her on January 7 but denies murder due to diminished responsibility.

“Sue was quite protective of her family and I have no doubt that she filtered a lot of what went on, would gloss over things and certainly did not share any specific details with me,” Mrs Taylor said in her statement.

“Sue was always supportive of Pietro and felt that she 'got him' as a person, so much so she would occasionally mimic him when talking about him.

“Sue felt she was Pietro's 'go-to person' and she was pleased to be there for him.”

Mrs Taylor, who had known the restaurant owner for 25 years and ran a coffee shop in Bond Street, Brighton, was in the city with her husband Stephen on January 7 last year and spoke to Mrs Addis and Pietro at Donatello.

“My husband had decided to dial Sue's number, when she appeared at the front window [of Donatello’s] and waved,” she said. “She had come to the door and invited us in for a coffee.

“I believe this would have been between 11.30am and midday. At the door Sue quickly said, ‘We are having a lot of trouble with Pietro. Don’t worry, he’ll probably leave anyway’.

“Myself and Stephen sat and spoke with Sue for around 15 to 20 minutes.

“Leo [Pietro’s father and Sue’s son] was also in the restaurant and joined in the conversation at points, passing the occasional comment.

“We were just generally chatting. We did not discuss anything further about Pietro and Sue did not elaborate on what she had said at the door.”

Sue Addis was stabbed to death on January 7 last year. Her grandson, Pietro, denies murder

The court also heard witness statements from police and paramedics who attended the home of Sue Addis later that evening.

The jury has heard that police who arrived on the scene following a dramatic call the teenager made to 999 wanted to ensure Pietro was known to Sue Addis and were initially concerned there could be more victims at other addresses in Brighton.

In a written statement, PC Michael Paterno, who attended the scene shortly after 7pm, said: "I wanted to make sure [Pietro] was known to the victim and not an intruder."

The court heard that when police arrived on the scene an evening meal was still being prepared in the kitchen at 1 Cedar Gardens, Brighton.

The jury was told that the teenager was "quiet and silent" when he was arrested at his grandmother's house and during the journey to Crawley police station, where he was detained.

Simone Savory, a police nurse who assessed Pietro at the station that evening, said the teenager, who had been diagnosed with ADHD in 2015 and was taking prescribed medication, told her he "punched himself" when he was stressed.

She described his mood as "withdrawn" and "low" during her assessment but said he was fit to be charged. 

The trial, before Judge Christine Laing QC at Lewes Crown Court, continues.

READ MORE: Trial continues into alleged murder of Sue Addis