Coroner rules that Brighton man was unlawfully killed

A Brighton man was unlawfully killed, according to the coroner for Brighton and Hove.

Veronica Hamilton-Deeley recorded the unlawful killing verdict at the inquest into the death of Michael Polding which was held in Brighton yesterday (Wednesday 10 April).

Sussex Police began a murder investigation when Mr Polding’s body was found in his flat in St George’s Road, Kemp Town, on Monday 16 July last year.

Detectives are seeking Ricardo Pisano, also known as Ricky or Ree or Brandon Victor Pillay. They want to question him about Mr Polding’s murder.

Detective Inspector Jon Fanner, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “The investigation into the death of Michael Polding is still very much ongoing and I welcome the verdict of HM Coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding Michael’s death and to locate Ricky.

“I appeal to anyone with information about Ricky, aka Ree, or his whereabouts to contact Sussex Police.

“This can be done in various ways including Crimestoppers and via our website www.findricky.com”

After the inquest Mr Polding’s family said: “We continue to try to come to terms with Michael’s death and miss him greatly.

“The inquest offers us some closure but we cannot start to move on with our lives until we can fully understand what happened to him.

“All of Michael’s family continues to support the police investigation into his death and the search for Ree.

“We would appeal for anyone with information about Ree or his whereabouts to contact police to help all of Michael’s family and friends piece together his final hours.”

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Ricky is asked to contact Sussex Police on 01273 470101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

To find out more information about the investigation visit www.findricky.com.