Family tribute to murdered man

Stefan Welch’s body was found on the Dyke Golf Course on September 3 last year.

Yesterday (Thursday, March 31) his murderer, Sean Iran, of St Richard’s Road, Fishersgate, was sentenced to life in prison, serving a minimum of 19 years.

His father, Babak Iran, 45, and brother, Navid Iran, 23, both of St Richard’s Road, Fishersgate, were found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

They were sentenced to seven years and six years respectively.

In a statement, released via Sussex Police, Mr Welch’s family said: “Today’s verdict removes three men from society, one of whom’s actions led to Stefan’s horrific death, and we are grateful to the court and the jury for bringing this case to its rightful conclusion.

“Stef was not a violent or malicious man and did nothing to deserve this fate.

“He was loving and caring. People took to Stef as soon as they met him.

“He had a wide circle of friends and never a bad word was said about Stef.

“Sean Iran took advantage of this friendship and betrayed Stef’s trust in the worst possible way.

“True justice will never been done.

“However long the sentences the Irans receive, Stef is still gone.

“His untimely death has been a shock to us and we forever mourn the loss of a loving father, brother, son and friend.”