A man has admitted causing the death of his partner in a knife attack - but denies murder.

Thomas Allen inflicted a fatal wound when he stabbed his partner Samantha Murphy in the leg in Margate last July.

The 38-year-old had told the jury at Maidstone Crown Court he had no intention of hurting anyone when violence erupted during a drink and drug-fuelled get-together in Elfrida Close.

But today, defence lawyer Robert Woodcock told the court Allen accepts he is guilty of Ms Murphy's manslaughter.

"He is responsible for her death," Mr Woodcock said.

"He is the sole guilty party of the consequences.

"The defendant is guilty of the offence of manslaughter, but he is not guilty of murder."

Mr Woodcock added that Allen's actions had been "totally irrational, and a dangerous thing to have done".

The court heard how Allen had gone to a neighbour's house and kicked in the front door while in "a wild and frenzied state of mind".

He then wielded the kitchen knife through the door, stabbing Ms Murphy's leg and severing an artery.

The 37-year-old mum-of-three bled to death soon after.

The prosecution alleges Allen had become jealous after a night of drinking and cocaine-taking between some neighbours in the Elfrida Close area.

In the early hours of the morning, Allen and a neighbour, Kaine Blissett, became involved in a scuffle in the street after Allen "repeatedly punched" Samantha, the court was told.

Mr Woodcock said Allen admitted having a row with his partner but denied being violent.

"Then Kaine gets involved and all hell broke loose," Mr Woodcock said.

"Things exploded and became much, much more serious.

"The only source of violence in the home of Tom and Sam came from Kaine and all the blood came from Tom."

He said Mr Blissett - the "Sir Galahad of the piece"- went to Ms Murphy's aid after she was repeatedly punched in a brutal attack.

But Mr Woodcock added that there was no evidence of any facial injuries to support Mr Blissett's claims.

Allen said that after he was hit over the head with a bottle, Samantha had gone to a neighbour's house and he had armed himself with a knife.

The prosecution alleges he stabbed his partner through the door knowing she was there, but Allen insists he did not mean to hurt her.

The jury is expected to retire tomorrow morning, and will have to return verdicts on murder or manslaughter.