BEST selling author Peter James has paid tribute to a woman stabbed to death in her own home.

Jillian Howell, 46, was killed in Sandgate Road, in the Fiveways area of Brighton, on October 26.

David Browning, 51, of Willow Drive, Seaford, who worked for Jill in the payroll department of the University of Brighton, has been charged with her murder.

Jill was an Albion season ticket holder and also volunteered at the Samaritans.

Writing on his Instagram account, Mr James said he knew Jill through his role as patron of Brighton and Hove Samaritans and also through friends.

Alongside a photograph of the pair together, he wrote: “The picture here is of Jill and I at an evening of one of my plays at the Theatre Royal in Brighton.

“She was such a lovely and delightful lady, all of us who had met her were touched by her warmth and sparkle.

“I don’t often ask for any financial donations, but a Just Giving page has been set up, in aid of the Samaritans, and if any of you feel like giving a donation, however tiny, I know this amazing charity, which saves so many lives and helps so many people in despair, every year, would appreciate it greatly.”

He said he also knew Jill as she was the partner of friend Sean McDonald, the former mayor of Worthing.

Jill’s family set up a Justgiving account following her death with the aim to raise £1,000 for the Samaritans.

At the time of going to press 58 supporters had raised more than £1,400.

In a message on the page her family said: “Jill was a Samaritan for over 10 years and she was always helping others when they were in need. Her loss has left a hole in our hearts and our lives that will never be filled.

“By raising money for the Samaritans we hope to do something positive and long lasting so that good can come out of Jill’s death.

“Please give anything you can in memory of Jill.”

She was a former employee of Palmer and Harvey, a wholesaler based in Davigdor Road, Hove, where she worked as a payroll and pension manager until 2015. She then joined the university.

Jillian was born and raised in Brighton, attended Margaret Hardy School for Girls, which is now Patcham High School. She previously worked at Cats Protection in Chelwood Gate and Nannytax in Queen’s Road, Brighton.