A teenager has admitted trying to murder a girl from Sittingbourne.

The defendant, who is 16, sat in Maidstone Crown Court next to an intermediary as he has autism.

Judge Philip Statman adjourned sentence until February next year pending reports from a psychiatrist and the probation service.

His barrister, Tana Adkin QC told the court that the teenager had admitted his guilt of trying to murder the victim between July 20 and 23 this year.

The victim - who can't be named and suffers from a physical disability - was left fighting for her life after being stabbed "around 50 to 60 times".

Ms Adkin said the defendant had asked his parents not to attend the 35 minute hearing because he feels ashamed.

Judge Statman said "this is a very very grave offence of violence" before ordering the experts to assess what danger the teenager may pose in future.

The youngster was remanded to a specialist unit pending preparation of the reports.

The judge told him: "You have pleaded guilty and you must understand today that when you return you are facing a long period in custody. Do you understand?"

The teenager replied: "Yes".

Five members of the victim's family were in court to watch the hearing and were commended by the judge.