A GRANDSON has admitted killing his millionaire gran who owned a string of restaurants loved by celebs.
Sue Addis, 69, was found dead at her £1million cottage in Withdean, Brighton on January 8.
She owned the Brighton restaurants Donatello’s and Pinocchio’s, popular among Premier League stars and celebrities like Bill Nighy and Katie Price.
The much-loved owner died after suffering multiple stab wounds during an alleged incident at her home in January.
Police arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder and said Mrs Addis, who lived alone, and the suspect were known to each other.
Yesterday her grandson, Pietro Addis, now 18, appeared in court charged with the murder of the popular restaurateur.
The teen, who can now be identified after reporting restrictions expired, appeared at Hove Crown Court via videolink where he denied a charge of murder.
Asked how he pleaded, Addis, who wore a black sweatshirt, said: “Not guilty to murder, guilty to manslaughter.”
Deanna Heer, prosecuting, said the plea was “not acceptable” and the case would go to trial in August.
Mrs Addis was a hugely respected figure in the Brighton business community and her death sparked shock throughout the community.
She first opened Pinocchio’s with her husband Pietro in 1987 and opened the 400-seat Donatello’s shortly after.
Their three sons Leo, Stefano and Mikele all worked at the restaurants which were among the most popular in the seaside resort.
In 2004, the restaurant chain was named as one of the top 100 in the country and they have built an empire worth around £6million.
Celebrities, footballers and MPs paid tribute to the “popular businesswoman” who did huge amounts of charity work within the community.
In a statement her family said: “The entire family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many people in Brighton and Hove and beyond who have taken the time to pay such wonderful tributes to Sue Addis.
“Sue was a pioneering figure in the Brighton and Hove business community, supporting many charities and raising funds for a wide number of causes.
“To us, she was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother and as a family, we now ask for time and space to grieve her loss and begin to come to terms with life without her.”
Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton, said: “So shocked and saddened to hear devastating news of death of the amazing Sue Addis.
“So many in Brighton will be heartbroken – she was such a special presence in the city, her passion for this place & its people was infectious, & her kindness legendary. She'll be hugely missed.”
And former Hove MP Ivor Caplin said: “I have known Sue Addis Pietro and the family for over 30 years. I am shocked at her death last night. My thoughts and condolences are with the family. Sue was so passionate about our city.”
Addis is due to go on trial on August 9.
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