Tracy Patsilades killing: detective urges people to open their hearts to the homeless
Tracy was found dead in the seafront shelter on Eastbourne promenade where she had been living in June.
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Hide AdWayne Marshall, 38, of no fixed address, was jailed today for her manslaughter.
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.
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Hide AdSpeaking 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.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of the investigation team are very much with Tracy’s family and friends.
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Hide Ad“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.”