Woman murder suspect is charged

Andrea Waddell was concerned about how to make a living, her family said

A man has been charged with the murder of a woman whose body was discovered in her burned-out flat in Brighton.

Andrea Waddell's strangled body was found in her bedroom in the property on Upper Lewes Road on Thursday night.

Neil McMillan, a satellite dish installer, 41, of Bennett Road, Brighton, was also charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

He is due to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning.

Mr McMillan had been arrested on Saturday night and detectives were granted an extension to continue questioning him.

Chronic pain

Ms Waddell, who grew up in Reading, Berkshire, had been working as a prostitute.

She was born male but had gender surgery to become a woman. In a statement, her family said she had originally been named Alexander John.

The family said she was diagnosed at 14 with severe spinal curvature and developed fibromyalgia, a permanent condition of chronic pain.

The statement continued: "Andrea was often incapacitated by pain and unable to work, and we know she was concerned about how to make a living and be independent.

"If her decision on how to achieve this took her down unusual paths, who are we to judge?"

Ms Waddell studied for a masters degree in social and political thought at the University of Sussex, after graduating in philosophy from Durham University.