'˜Disgusting': Late singer's home burgled

Sean Martin was speaking after police revealed that his older brother Stevie’s home on Great James Street was burgled and numerous treasured musical items stolen, along with a sum of money.

Sean (27) urged people to be on the look out for equipment being sold in unusual circumstances.

Lifford native Stevie was a talented singer songwriter who went under the artist name Rainy Boy Sleep.

The 29-year-old’s funeral took place in the city last Friday, several days after his remains were recovered along the Sligo coast. He had been missing for over three weeks and the public appeal was launched after his car was found close to Fanad Lighthouse.

Sean said that among the items stolen was his brother’s blue electric Fender Stratocaster guitar, along with a Yamaha EZ200 keyboard, a Sapphire Pro-24 Sound Card and two amps- one a Roland Microcube amp, and the other a larger Fender Deluxe amp.

Police in Derry have now launched an appeal for information about the burglary, which occurred between 10.30am on Thursday August 11 and 11.30am on Friday August 12, at Stevie’s home, located between Francis Street and Infirmary Road.

Sean said: “At the time this happened we were trying to find him. It was opportunistic. It’s shocking, disgusting.

“At the time it happened it was sort of put to the back because we were still very much living in hope that Stevie was going to be found and come back to us, so we didn’t really take this in but now that Stevie is at rest we are hoping to get these items back.

“I have been searching myself on Gumtree and DoneDeal to see if anybody has put them up there.

“The items themselves are very precious to us. It’s nothing to do with monetary value, it’s sentimental value to us.

“We are lucky enough we have all the memories, stories, photos, videos, but we would like to have something physical like his guitar and amps, something that meant so much to him.”

Sean said the past few weeks have been very hard on the family.

“It’s just been a blur,” he said, adding: “Stevie was a brother first and foremost to me. After that he was a great friend to everybody and a talented musician. He was an absolute gentleman who couldn’t do enough to help you.”

PSNI Constable Evans meanwhile said: “Stephens’s family would appreciate any helping in locating these items. We are appealing for anyone with information who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area or have information about the incident or anyone who may be offered similar items for sale in suspicious circumstances to contact police at Strand Road on 101, quoting reference 470 on 12/08/16. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”