The killer who raped and murdered a Christian charity worker has been forgiven by the church community she worshipped in - after admitting his guilt today.

Esther Brown, 67, was brutally attacked by twisted repeat offender Jason Graham, 30, in her home and was found on June 1.

Graham pleaded guilty to rape and murder at the High Court in Glasgow today.

Charity worker Esther was a parishioner of St Silas’ Church in Glasgow and a stalwart of her community who sat on the board of the Woodlands Community Trust as well as working with refugee groups and street pastors.

James Lapping, curate of St Silas’, said: “We don’t want the manner of Esther’s death to overshadow her life, which was so full.

READ MORE: Man admits raping and murdering pensioner Esther Brown in Glasgow

“She had such a big heart and loved people and she loved Jesus.

“It is good to draw closure to this event for Esther’s friends and family who know she is in a better place.

“It was a wicked thing to happen.

“I think it would be fair to say that what Esther might say to Jason would be that his actions were terrible, but all of us have fallen short of the persons that we strive to be.

“Esther was a person who believed in lost causes.

“She would be first to say that what he has done is a wicked thing, a godless action, but she would also be the first to say that no one is beyond redemption.

“All of us fall short in lots of ways, maybe not in a way that is so open and horrific as Jason has, but all of us need forgiveness and all of us need a second chance.

“A full restoration for those actions might not be possible in this life.

“How can you mend a wound so great?

"But we pray that Jason can receive a full forgiveness and an eternal life with Jesus.”

Esther was found dead in her home in West Princes Street, in the city's West End.

Detective Superintendent Suzie Chow, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Teams said: “Jason Graham will now have to face the consequences of his actions.

“This was a brutal attack and one that left Esther’s family and the community absolutely devastated.

“It has been a harrowing ordeal for Esther’s family, her friends and those who knew her and my thoughts are with them as they continue to come to terms with her death.

“The response from the local community in the aftermath of Esther’s murder really demonstrated how loved and respected she was and I would like to thank them for their support, which was invaluable to the inquiry team.

“Whilst nothing can change what has happened, I hope this conviction will bring them some degree of comfort.

“I hope this sends a clear message that violence like this has no place in our society and will not be tolerated.

“Police Scotland will continue to work alongside our partners at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service to make sure that any perpetrators are brought to justice and removed from our communities.”

Graham is due to be sentenced on November 12.