Woman found dead in Brighton named locally by MPs as Donatello owner

A woman who was found dead in Brighton has been named locally by MPs.
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Police confirmed this morning the body of a 69-year-old woman was found at an address in Cedars Gardens, Withdean, at 6.55pm on Thursday (January 7).

A 17-year-old boy – who was known to her – has been arrested on suspicion of her murder, the force said.

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The woman has since been named locally by MPs as Sue Addis, co-owner of Donatello Restaurant in The Lanes.

Paying tribute on Twitter, MP for Hove and Portslade Peter Kyle said: “Desperately sad news. There was barely a positive event, campaign, or good cause without Sue being part of making it happen.

“She made great food accessible to all, was a brilliant businesswoman, and just thoroughly decent.

“Our city misses her already.”

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, also said: “So shocked and saddened to hear the devastating news of the death of the amazing Sue Addis.

Police at the scene in WithdeanPolice at the scene in Withdean
Police at the scene in Withdean
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“So many in Brighton will be heartbroken - she was such a special presence in the city, her passion for this place and its people was infectious, and her kindness legendary. She’ll be hugely missed”

Warren Morgan, former city council leader, tweeted: “This will be a huge shock to all in Brighton and Hove who knew her, and to anyone who has eaten at Donatellos in the Lanes, a very popular conference restaurant for Labour visitors. Huge sympathy to her family.”

Andy Winter, chief executive of Brighton Housing Trust, said he was ‘deeply shocked’ by the news.

In a statement released to this newspaper, he said: “Sue Addis was one of the kindest and most generous women I have ever met. Over many years she supported a range of charitable causes including homelessness services including, for the last decade, Brighton Housing Trust.

Police at the scene in WithdeanPolice at the scene in Withdean
Police at the scene in Withdean
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“She was a regular at our fundraising events and was always incredibly generous with her time, ideas and money. She never held back from speaking her mind, but always quietly and in such a supportive way.

“I served with her on several mayors’ charity committees and she was a driving force behind some of the most successful years.”

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, also said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the news of the death of Sue Addis.

“I worked closely with Sue on the new Hannington Lane entrance to the Lanes and her passion for the city was clear as she took an active role promoting tourism and economic regeneration.

“Sue was very generous with her time for charitable organisations in the city and will be sadly missed.”

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