The trial of a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend by stabbing her in a shopping centre car park will begin this week.

Joshua Stimpson has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 23-year-old university student Molly McLaren, but will claim diminished responsibilty.

Stimpson, 26, of High Street, Wouldham, is alleged to have attacked Miss McLaren with a knife as she sat in her Citroen C1 car at the Dockside Outlet shopping centre in Chatham on the morning of Thursday, June 29. He was arrested at the scene.

Miss McLaren, who lived in Cobham and was a former student at North Kent College in Dartford, suffered slash and stab wounds to her chest, neck and throat.

Cause of death at an inquest hearing six days later was given as sharp force wounds to the neck.

Stimpson’s QC Oliver Saxby said at a previous hearing: “The issue will be one of diminished responsibility. He accepts the offence of manslaughter and will plead guilty to it.”

Two psychiatric reports have been prepared on Stimpson, who has been remanded in custody. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Judge Adele Williams said previously: “A count of manslaughter will be added to the indictment so that he can plead guilty to it.”