About Darren Deslandes

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The mother of a young man killed in a New Year’s Day shooting has spoken of her pride after a new housing scheme was launched in his name.

Darren Deslandes was gunned down in the family’s pub – The Newton Arms in Thornton Heath – in 2010. The popular 34-year-old worked for ten years at housing association AmicusHorizon, based in High Street, Croydon, as a home ownership officer.

The organisation is keeping the memory of a “much loved and valued colleague” alive after naming a housing block in his honour: Deslandes Place. Darren’s family, including mum Lurline and brothers James and Junior, attended a special ceremony where a plaque was unveiled at the block of homes in Lewisham.

Lurline told the Advertiser: “I thought it was an honour to do this for Darren, He really enjoyed his work.” “When he died we got a lot of feedback on Darren everyone stated he was a good employee and went out of his way to help people,” “Everyone remembers him as a lovely person, caring . and very professional. That makes me feel very proud.”

A disgruntled customer shot dead Darren and left Junior fighting for his life after firing eight bullets inside the family run pub. He had been thrown out earlier in the night after picking up a bottle to use against another customer after an argument.

The assailant is now serving a minimum of 37 years behind bars. Lurline said: “Darren aged 34, helped so many people. If this hadn’t happened then how many other people could he have helped.” “We were very emotional because it brings back all the memories of the type of person Darren was.” Paul Hackett, chief executive for Amicus Horizon, said: “Its a fitting tribute to Darren. “I’d like to think he would approve.”