A university payroll worker has appeared in court accused of stabbing his female boss to death in her own home.
The body of Jillian Howell, 46, was found at her home in the Fiveways area of Brighton after David Browning attempted to hand himself in to police on Thursday morning.
Mr Browning, 51, spoke only to confirm his name when he appeared before magistrates in the city to hear charges of murder and possession of a knife.
The body of Jillian Howell, 46, (left) was found at her home in the Fiveways area of the city after David Browning (right) attempted to hand himself in to police on Thursday morning
He had to phone Sussex police form outside their main station in Brighton which was closed.
He tried to turn himself in with a lock knife which it is believed is part of the murder investigation.
Mr Browning worked under Jillian Howell in the payroll department at the University of Brighton as a technician.
Family and friends of Samaritans volunteer and Albion fan Jillian sat in the public gallery at the court, as tributes to the ‘kind, charming’ woman continued to pour in.
Season ticket Jillian’s usual seat in Row U of the North Stand the American Express Community Stadium sat empty on Sunday
Ms Howell’s body was found with multiple stab wounds at a house in Sandgate Road, Brighton
Mr Browning was an amateur football coach with his local team, Seaford Town FC.
University bosses paid tribute to Jillian and confirmed the pair worked together in the payroll department.
A spokesman for the University of Brighton said: ‘The University community is shocked and saddened by the news of Jill Howell’s death.
‘Jill was a much loved and highly respected colleague.
‘She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her family and friends.
‘We have been contacting members of staff to inform them of the tragic news and we have put in place mechanisms to offer support at this extremely difficult time.
The 51-year-old attempted to hand himself in at the John Street police station in Brighton (pictured) but had to wait to call officers as the desk was closed
Police found the 46-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds at her home in Sandgate Road in Brighton, East Sussex
‘We can confirm Dave Browning’s status as an employee of the university.’
Mr Browning had worked in the university’s finance department since 1989.
Jillian Howell became his manager when she joined in 2015.
Season ticket Jillian’s usual seat in Row U of the North Stand the American Express Community Stadium sat empty on Sunday.
Fans and friends who sit near her touched her empty seat as a sign of respect when the Seagulls scored.
Jack Beck, who sat next to her, said: ‘We were season ticket neighbours for four years and we would cheer and celebrate goals together as well as all the guys around us.
‘It was very upsetting all around us but when we scored the equaliser we all tapped her seat and said that goal was for you Jillian.’
A minute’s applause was held for Jillian in the 46th minute of the game against Southampton.
A police cordon in Sandgate Road, Brighton, East Sussex, as officers launched a murder inquiry
Police say the suspect and victim were known to each other and are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the incident
The road was sealed off while scores of officers began to search the area for evidence and officers carried out house-to-house inquiries
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