A homeless man has appeared in court charged with murder after a rough sleeper was attacked and left for dead close to Brighton Museum.
Sergio Lemori, 32, of no fixed address, is accused of murdering 54-year-old Andrew O’Connell.
Mr O’Connell was attacked minutes before midnight on Tuesday (7 August) in the Royal Pavilion Gardens.
He was found at about 7am the next day (Wednesday 8 August) by a passer-by and taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Kemp Town.
Mr O’Connell, who came from Kent, had suffered serious head injuries.
Lemori was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at about 9pm on Wednesday in nearby Church Street, Brighton.
But Mr O’Connell died and unemployed Lemori was charged with murder at Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Friday 10 August).
He was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday (14 August).
Mr O’Connell’s family said: “Andrew O’Connell was a family man who was loved by many.
“He was a kind, intelligent man with a free spirit who loved to travel.
“As a family we are utterly devastated, hurt and angry that he has been taken so cruelly from us.”
Sussex Police said: “ Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage,.
“However, anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Dickenson.
“Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555111. “
