Parents lose their Rae of sunshine

Rae, 19, was stabbed to death in her top floor Cantelupe Road flat on March 27 after returning home from work.

She died of knife wounds to her neck, a post mortem revealed.

Ex-boyfriend Dellwyn James, 31, of Chiltern Drive, Hastings, was arrested soon after her body was found and later charged with her murder.

The factory worker spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth at the two-minute hearing at Hastings Magistrates Court.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at a preliminary hearing at Lewes Crown next Thursday.

Rae - an independent teenager who lived alone - was Head Girl at Bexhill High School three years ago.

She worked as a bank clerk at HSBC in Hailsham.

She was found dead by a concerned colleague who called round to find out why she had not arrived at work.

Police closed off the block of flats for the following four days while the Scientific Support Branch investigated the crime scene.

Parents Jim Torbet and Zoe Marfleet this week told of a "wonderful individual who had a considerable zest for life".

Her early death has left them feeling "robbed". Mr Torbet, head of CID at Eastbourne, issued a statement through Sussex Police on behalf of himself and his ex-wife.

"Her biggest asset was her ability to light up the lives of everyone she touched. She was strong-willed, adored life and was the most cheerful, bubbly young woman you could ever want to meet.

"We are all immensely proud of her achievements in life.

"At Bexhill High School her popularity and dedication endured, allowing both students and staff to elect her as their Head Girl.

"It was a proud time for us and the entire family - her brother, step father and grandparents. We'll all miss her deeply.

"Rae's bubbly personality meant she loved to spend time with her friends.

"Today, in our darkest of days, their unfaltering support has been a great comfort to us all.

"They all know the real Rae - a wonderful young woman who had the rare yet amazing ability to bring a smile to everyone she met."

The investigation is being headed by Detective Superintendent Chris Gillings and Detective Inspector Russ Bagley at the Operation Furl incident room at Hastings Police Station.

Det Supt Gillings said: "It's a very tragic incident and our sympathies go out to the family at this dreadful time."

He appealed for anyone who saw any unusual activity in the Cantelupe Road area between 4.30pm and 6pm last Thursday to contact operation Furl on 0845 60 70 999.