A husband shocked a court today after dramatically admitting the murder of his teenage wife on Christmas Day last year.

Mohammed Qoraishi was expected to deny the charge when he appeared by video link at Maidstone Crown Court.

Prosecuting lawyers were expecting to confirm dates for the exchange of legal papers and confirming a trial date.

But when the clerk asked him if he was guilty of murdering 19-year-old Parwin Quriashi he replied: “Guilty.”

He was asked if he had said ‘not guilty' but replied: “No... guilty..and I want to read out a letter!”

His barrister Bernard Tetlow QC told Judge David Griffith-Jones QC that wasn’t the plea he was expecting.

He was given another 15 minutes to talk privately with Qoraishi, who is on remand at Elmley prison.

Mr Tetlow later explained Qoraishi had always admitted carrying out the killing but believed he had a defence in law.

But when the clerk put the charge for a second time, 27-year-old Qoraishi stunned the court by replying: “Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty!”

The judge told defence lawyers that now that Qoraishi had received more legal advice, the court had to accept the guilty plea “and move onto sentence.”

The teenage victim had been found at the couple’s flat at Kentish Court, off London Road in Maidstone, shortly before 1.20pm on Christmas Day.

Judge Griffith-Jones said sentencing will now take place in June and asked defence lawyers if they proposed to produce a psychiatric report at the next hearing,

Mr Tetlow said one was expected to be completed next month in time for the hearing.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Ivan Beasley said: "This was an unprovoked and savage attack on a defenceless young woman. Her tragic death at the hands of her husband has left a family mourning her loss.

"Qoraishi will face justice for his actions when he is sentenced in June."

An inquest heard she was found with "multiple stab wounds".

For more stories from Kent's courts, click here.

For information on how we can report on court proceedings, click here.