A FORMER devil worshipper turned author has warned against the dangers of dabbling in the occult.

Counsellor Deborah Hawkins claims her book Dark Seeds 3am reveals how her childhood was plagued by supernatural encounters, many of which occurred in Brighton.

First published in 2012, Miss Hawkins, who now lives in Eastbourne, updated the work this year to include a chapter warding young people off testing spiritual boundaries. She is hosting a book signing and will answer questions today at the Christian Resource Centre, Seaside, in Eastbourne, between 2pm and 4pm.

Miss Hawkins said she was tormented by supernatural disturbances from as young as four, when she believes she was abducted by a “dark stranger” and abandoned in a Hollingbury field.

She said: “I grew up in a haunted house in Southampton Street. I saw the white figure of a man in the hall way, my brother and I were petrified when we saw eyes staring down at us from the ceiling.”

The family moved to Woodingdean after her father believed he saw objects move unaided in the kitchen – but Miss Hawkins said the apparitions continued and claims she saw a headless horseman in a field nearby. She said: “I was very isolated, I was constantly disturbed by nightmares. We tested out the Ouja board once at school and I was lured into a Brighton coven.

“The members introduced me to black witchcraft and drugs. When I was 17 I prayed to Satan and demanded he show himself. A huge pressure filled the room, making it hard to breathe and there was the thundering sound of hooves on the stairs – consistent with his description as a fallen angel. I think he came to take my soul that night but he didn’t.”

The visitations resisted when she sought solace in Christianity aged 18 before qualifying as a psychodynamic counsellor.

Miss Hawkins, now a mother of six, plans to found a ministry to help people struggling as she did as a youngster with funds from book sales.

Miss Hawkins said: “If you have a supernatural encounter there isn’t an advice service – a number you can ring or a website you can visit - for help. People who find themselves in the position I did need to speak to someone who is balanced but has experienced what they have and I hope my counselling expertise can help.”

For information email debzj@hotmail.co.uk