A Maidstone man has admitted trying to murder his mother.

The attack on Anna Matthews took place in a flat above the Traga Laundrette in Tonbridge Road, Barming, last January.

Her 42-year-old son Patrick appeared at Maidstone Crown Court this morning to admit the charge.

Judge Philip Statman adjourned sentencing for the preparation of psychiatric and probation reports.

Bearded Matthews was remanded into custody while experts assess what danger he may pose in the future.

He is expected to be sentenced on April 17 and one possible sentence is the judge making an order that Matthews be detained in a psychiatric unit.

Mrs Matthews was taken to hospital in London following the attack.

At the time eyewitnesses said they saw a woman wearing a neck brace being stretchered from a property at the corner of Tonbridge Road and Terminus Road.

Requesting that a full psychiatric assessment be carried out at a hearing last year, his lawyer Adrian Rohard said: “It is clear there are issues. It is an unusual case.”

Judge Statman told him: "You have had the good sense to plead guilty and that will hold you in good stead.

"I need to know a lot more about your background before I sentence you and I am giving no indication what that sentence will be."

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