A man who stabbed his boss to death and wrote "bully" on her forehead has been jailed for life and ordered to serve at least 28 years.

David Browning, 52, of Seaford, was found guilty of murder at Hove Crown Court on Wednesday.

He stabbed Jillian Howell in the chest, neck and abdomen, leaving her with 15 stab and slash wounds in October.

Browning had formed an intense attachment to the 46-year-old Brighton university payroll boss, jurors heard.

The court was told he had gone to her house for dinner and reacted with anger when she rejected him.

'Defiled' body
Sentencing, Judge Christine Laing QC said the way in which Browning murdered her was "savage", adding: "This was a sustained attack and the terror and trauma for her in the final few minutes of her life is unimaginable."

The judge said Ms Howell, in her final moments, "desperately tried to defend herself".

She said Browning "defiled" her body by writing the world "bully" on her forehead but said: "Nothing was further from the truth."

She said: "The reality of Jillian Howell is that she was a compassionate woman, a quality that cost her her life."

'Cocktail of emotions'
Ms Laing said Browning had developed a crush on the woman that turned into an obsession.

She told him: "I am quite satisfied that what led to you killing her was a very ordinary cocktail of human emotions, desire, jealously, frustration and anger.

"Jillian did more than most people would have done to support you as a concerned colleague and friend but it is plain you wanted to be more important or special to her than that.

"I have watched you closely during this trial and you have shown no emotion and little remorse other than for your own situation."

After the hearing, Alison Pratt, director of Brighton and Hove Samaritans, said: "We know that it will continue to be very difficult for Jill's family and friends, and our thoughts are with them."

Describing Ms Howell as a dedicated volunteer, she said she supported people in distress and played a vital role in recruiting and training.

"We will remember her as a warm, compassionate and committed member of the team," she said.