Shoreham’s Deborah Gumbrell’s husband admits manslaughter

James Gumbrell, 62, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, not murder, at a brief hearing at Lewes Crown Court this morning.

Deborah Gumbrell was stabbed in the heart, a coroner said.

Ms Gumbrell, 59, died at her home in Northbourne Close, Shoreham on October 24.

A trial date for Mr Gumbrell has been set for next month.

Ms Gumbrell worked for Marks and Spencer in Brighton for many years and later as a Nursery Assistant.

Tributes were poured in for her, and a neighbor called her “a very nice, very kind lady who always stopped to speak to you.”

Another person said: “Debbie was a fantastic key worker for our two boys at the daycare she worked at, they adored her. We are dismayed by the news. She will be sorely missed.”

The police are still interested in information that could help with the investigation.

Information can be reported to the police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Terrace.