A father-of-three was stabbed in the heart following an 'altercation', an inquest heard.

An inquest was opened today in to the death of Jamie Simmons, 29, of Cambridge Way Crescent, Maidstone, who died on May 4.

A man has been charged with Mr Simmons' murder, following a police investigation.

Kieron Nicholson, 29, of Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh, appeared in Maidstone Crown Court via video link earlier this month but has yet to enter a plea.

The inquest, held at The Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone, heard that "following an altercation" the decease suffered "injuries not compatible with life".

The cause of death was given as a "stab wound to the heart" and Mr Simmons died on a grassy area outside Well House, in Cambridge Crescent, on the Shepway estate.

Paramedics desperately tried to save Mr Simmons but he was pronounced dead at 10.13pm.

On May 7, Maidstone Crown Court heard that there was a confrontation outside a block of flats in Cambridge Crescent after a comment was made about Mr Simmons.

Rachel Beckett, prosecuting, told the court the argument moved indoors, but threats were made for Mr Simmons to get out of the house, or face violence.

The family of Mr Simmons have paid tribute to the 'brilliant dad'.

He had recently become a father for the third time when his fiancée Charlotte Muddiman gave birth to daughter Dolcie 13-weeks ago.

Mum Diane Simmons described the devastating moment she saw paramedics trying to save the life of her son.

A 29-year-old man from Maidstone who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed to return to the police station on June 2.

A woman in her 20s from the Tonbridge area who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge.

The inquest was adjourned, subject to the police investigation.

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