The family of murdered university payroll boss and Samaritans volunteer Jillian Howell have said her death was "incomprehensible" and they may never come to terms with it.

After learning David Browning had been found guilty, a crowd of relatives gathered on the steps outside Hove Crown Court on Wednesday while one of Ms Howell's nephews read a statement which said: "The last six months have been truly awful.

"Jill's death was shocking and incomprehensible, and we are still struggling to accept and make sense of it.

"We are pleased that this process is now over but it doesn't change anything for us, it doesn't bring Jill back and we miss her so much.

"The deep sadness and emptiness we feel will be with us for the rest of our lives."

The statement paid tribute to "beautiful, gentle and kind Jill" who they said they will carry in their hearts forever and remember as a loving and caring sister, the "best auntie in the history of the world ever" and someone who had "tremendous honesty and integrity".

The authorities who investigated and prosecuted the case and friends who supported them helped to restore their "faith in humanity", they added.

University in shock

Professor Debra Humphris, vice-chancellor of the University of Brighton, said the entire university was "shocked and saddened" by Ms Howell's death, adding: "Jill was a much loved, compassionate and highly respected colleague and she is greatly missed.

"Her death and the circumstances surrounding it have made this an extremely difficult time for colleagues who worked closely with both Jill and David Browning, and the university is continuing to provide support for all those affected."

Meanwhile Browning's defence team issued a written statement on behalf of his family which said: "First of all we would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Jillian Howell.

"Depression is a devastating mental illness, and David was desperately affected by the traumatic death of his father causing him to react so dramatically out of character.

"We love David, and his family will always stand by and support him."

'Browning knew what he was doing'

But senior crown prosecutor Alice Trodden said: "These were not the actions of a man who snapped, unable to control an urge, but by someone who knew what he was doing."

Detective Inspector Mark Cullimore, of the Surrey and Sussex major crime team, told reporters Browning will "duly earn" a life sentence for a "truly horrific, abrupt and brutal" killing, adding: "It astonishes me that Browning still turned for advice and support from the very charity that meant so much for Jill (after killing her)."

Ms Howell's family have so far raised more than £4,000 for the Samaritans charity but are inviting more donations to be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/remember/499637/Jill-Howell