Kitchen Porter Jailed for Life Over Savage Brighton Murder
Italian kitchen porter Francesco D’Agostino, 45, was found guilty of murdering 21-year-old Serxhio Marku after a three-week trial at Brighton Crown Court on Wednesday, October 21. His fellow kitchen worker, Giuseppe Petriccione, 46, was cleared of all charges.
Young Man Found Brutally Attacked in Brighton Flat
Serxhio Marku, originally from Albania, was discovered seriously injured in a flat on Stafford Road, Brighton, in the early hours of September 11, 2019. He was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital but was tragically pronounced dead shortly after.
The court heard Serxhio suffered multiple blunt force and incised wounds in a vicious, sustained assault.
Judge Describes Murder as ‘Savage, Unprovoked Attack’
Passing sentence the next day, Judge Christine Laing QC branded the crime “a brutal, pre-planned attack.” She handed D’Agostino a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years.
“Serxhio was murdered in a savage act, in a brutally sustained attack,” said Judge Laing. “His last words, ‘Why are you doing this?’ heard by neighbours, confirm this was totally unprovoked.”
The judge also highlighted D’Agostino’s crack addiction, warning of the dangers linked to such a lifestyle. She expressed deep sympathy for the “devastating impact” on Serxhio’s family, saying no sentence could ever match their loss.
Police Praise Courage and Offer Condolences
Detective Superintendent Alex Geldart, who led the investigation, paid tribute to Serxhio’s family for their “utmost dignity” throughout the process.
“Our thoughts are with Serxhio’s family and friends. They have lost a much-loved son and brother,” said Geldart. “Francesco D’Agostino killed Serxhio in a brutal attack. Despite his claims blaming Giuseppe Petriccione, the jury found him guilty. I thank them for their verdict.”
He added thanks to the police officers and witnesses who helped piece together the case from that fateful night on Stafford Road.
