Mystery defendant jailed for killing Brighton man

A 36-year-old man calling himself Ricardo Pisano has been jailed after being found guilty of killing Michael Polding.

Mr Polding was found dead in his flat in St George’s Road, Brighton, in July last year. It is believed that he died in May last year after suffering multiple injuries.

Officers from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team launched an international operation to track down Pisano, who had been in a relationship with Mr Polding when the 62-year-old died.

Pisano, also known as Brandon Victor Pillay, Roots Lootahin, Ree or Ricky, was arrested in May after he was detained at a house in Southampton.

Pisano was charged with the murder of Mr Polding, wounding Mr Polding and preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body.

Today (Monday 16 December) a jury at Lewes Crown Court found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

Pisano was also found guilty of wounding. He had already pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body.

He was jailed for a total of 18 and a half years.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Fanner, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Michael Polding was a vulnerable man who trusted the defendant to care for and look after him.

“That trust was breached and the defendant was responsible for Michael’s death.

“After he had died, the defendant abandoned the body of the man he claimed to care for and left Sussex in order to avoid detection and to save himself.

“The fact that Michael’s body lay undisturbed for several weeks before he was found has meant further anguish for the Polding family on top of their loved one’s death.

“The defendant has refused to reveal his true identity throughout the investigation and trial.

“I would like to pay tribute to Michael’s family for their strength and the assistance they have given to me and my officers during the investigation.

“Nothing is going to bring Michael back or fill the hole in their lives left by his absence but at least today’s verdict means they have justice for Michael.”

Mr Polding’s sister, Mary McKeown, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “As a family we are pleased that the trial is over and that justice has been done for our brother Michael.

“The time since we were told of Michael’s death has been a rollercoaster for the family, with far more downs than ups. We have managed to get through the weeks and months only by supporting each other.

“Today’s verdict means that we have justice for Michael although that is little comfort against the thought of how we lost him.

“Michael was a happy, loving and gentle person, always ready to help others when needed. He was fun and always enjoyed the company of family and friends.

“When you were with him you knew you would have a great time and would spend the day laughing and enjoying yourself.

“We would like to put on record our appreciation for all the effort put into this case by the various members of Sussex Police.

“Additionally we would like to thank both them and all those who have shown us kindness and consideration. Their support has helped us cope over the months since Michael was taken from us.

“We’d particularly like to thank Laura Carron for all her help over the last few months. The support she has given us over the period has been particularly helpful.

“We miss Michael every hour of every day. He will always be in our thoughts.”