‘Obsessed’ worker stabbed boss to death

A UNIVERSITY worker stabbed his boss to death and scrawled “bully” across her forehead after she rejected his romantic advances, a court has heard.

David Browning, 52, stabbed Jill Howell 15 times before going to police to tell them: “In a nutshell, I have killed my boss.”

Mr Browning, who has admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, is on trial charged with murder.

Hove Crown Court heard the married man with two grown-up children worked in the payroll department at the University of Brighton for almost 30 years when in 2015 Ms Howell became his manager. He became obsessed and gave her gifts, flowers and messages.

Alan Gardner, prosecuting, said: “He formed an intense attachment with his boss and wanted a closer relationship with her.”

He became possessive, controlling and jealous, Mr Gardner added. The court heard when Mr Browning began to suspect Miss Howell was in a relationship, he bought a shotgun and knife.

Her body was found at her home in Brighton, covered in blood. Mr Gardner said: “The word ‘bully’ had been scrawled across her forehead.” Mr Browning later fetched his shotgun but found he could not kill himself and went to the police.

Mr Browning denies murder. The trial continues.