A man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in a knife attack at the at the Dockside Outlet shopping centre in Medway will claim diminished responsibility at his trial next year.

Joshua Stimpson will plead guilty to the manslaughter of 23-year-old Molly McLaren, said his QC Oliver Saxby.

VIDEO: Stimpson denies murder

Stimpson, of High Street, Wouldham, Rochester, looked upset as he entered the dock at Maidstone Crown Court, escorted by three members of staff from a psychiatric unit and three dock officers.

He spoke only to give his name and date of birth, and to enter a not guilty plea to murder.

Stimpson, 26, is alleged to have murdered Miss McLaren, from Cobham, near Gravesend, in the shopping centre car park in Chatham on the morning of Thursday, June 29.

He was arrested at the scene.

Mr Saxby told Judge Adele Williams: “The issue will be one of diminished responsibility. He accepts the offence of manslaughter and will plead guilty to it.”

He added that two psychiatric reports had been prepared on Stimpson, who was remanded in custody until his trial on January 22. It is expected to last two weeks.

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

The case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which will look into Miss McLaren’s contact with officers before her death.

Family and friends of Molly have set up a charity in her name to support people with eating disorders.