Tracy Patsilades killing: detective urges people to open their hearts to the homeless

Think of the homeless this Christmas '“ that's the message from the detective who investigated the tragic killing of Tracy Patsalides.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Nov 2018, 15:43 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2019, 03:35 BST
DCI Colin Pirie outside Lewes Crown Court after the verdictDCI Colin Pirie outside Lewes Crown Court after the verdict
DCI Colin Pirie outside Lewes Crown Court after the verdict

Tracy was found dead in the seafront shelter on Eastbourne promenade where she had been living in June.

Wayne Marshall, 38, of no fixed address, was jailed today for her manslaughter.

Click here to read the full story from the sentencing

Tracy had been living in a seafront shelter at the time of her killingTracy had been living in a seafront shelter at the time of her killing
Tracy had been living in a seafront shelter at the time of her killing
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He was cleared of murder after a lengthy trial, and also found not guilty of robbing his friend.

However the jury convicted him of manslaughter and he was sentenced today.

Speaking after the verdict Detective Chief Inspector Colin Pirie paid tribute to Tracy.

He said: “The number of years that he is sentenced for will never being back Tracy and will never really compensate for the loss of her.

After she died friends and family laid tributes at the place where Tracy's body was foundAfter she died friends and family laid tributes at the place where Tracy's body was found
After she died friends and family laid tributes at the place where Tracy's body was found
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“My thoughts and the thoughts of the investigation team are very much with Tracy’s family and friends.

“What I do hope is that the homeless community and the wider society of Eastbourne all draw some comfort from the police investigation and verdict of the trial and will feel able to report any concerns or crime to us.”

DCI Pirie also implored the people of Eastbourne to think of the homeless this Christmas, in Tracy’s name.

He said: “The thing for me that stood out for me was that the homeless community often go unseen by many in society.

“They are almost hidden in plain sight.

“Tracy’s life and death have touched us all and my appeal in the run up to Christmas would be for everyone to open their eyes and their hearts to the homeless community. For Tracy.”