A court has heard how a man who lay injured outside his home said "I've been stabbed" just before he died.

Jamie Simmons, 29, was knifed in the heart in Shepway, Maidstone on Monday, sparking a murder investigation. He died at the scene after paramedics desperately tried to save him.

His mother, Diane Simmons, has spoken of the devastating moment she saw her son pass away, with other members of the family paying tribute to the "brilliant dad".

Kieron Nicholson, 29, of Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh, is charged with murdering the father-of-three, and today appeared in Maidstone Crown Court via video link.

According to the prosecution, 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.

She added: "Witnesses tried to assist in helping the deceased.

"I also understand there is a short video clip where the victim can be heard saying 'I've been stabbed'."

The court was told two others were also arrested. 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 pending further investigation.

Nicholson is said to have been friends with the victim.

Danny Moore, defending, said Nicholson had told police in interviews he was not responsible for Mr Simmons' death.

Judge David Griffith-Jones remanded Nicholson in custody until June 3 when he will enter a plea.

A trial date has not been set due to the current circumstances surrounding the coronavirus crisis.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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