Family of murdered Darren Deslandes pay tribute to their loved one

EXCLUSIVE

By Cherry Wilson

A FAMILY RIPPED APART: Darren Deslandes' family. From left, Dad Wintworth, mum Lurline, brother James, 13, Junior's girlfriend, Chantel Reid, Junior's daughter Scarlett, and Darren's fiancée Abigail Beresford

cherry.wilson@essnmedia.co.uk

The heartbroken family of murdered Darren Deslandes have spoken of the "life sentence" they have been given after he was murdered in front of their eyes.

Parents Wintworth and Lurline Deslandes say they will never be able to come to terms with the tragedy after their son's life was cruelly snatched away on New Year's Day.

Darren's fiancée Abigail Beresford, 27, has also paid an emotional tribute to her "sweet, caring and loving" partner who she had planned to spend the rest of her life with.

Darren, 34, was killed while trying to protect his family from the madman who burst into the Newton Arms pub, on Queens Road, and pulled out a gun.

He courageously tried to force the gunman outside, but was shot dead in front of his loved ones.

The family have spoken about the tragedy for the first time this week.

Wintworth, 58, said: "We as a whole family have been given a life sentence."

Darren's fiancée, Abigail, added: "I feel like I've lost half of me. He was everything to me. I don't know how I'll cope."

●See today's (Friday) Croydon Advertiser for a double page spread on the family's tributes to Darren