Joshua Stimpson has been found guilty of the murder of his ex-girlfriend Molly McLaren by a unanimous jury.
After a gruelling trial and less than three hours deliberating, the jury of seven men and five women, returned a unanimous verdict.
The 26-year-old killed the University of Kent student in a frenzied knife attack while she sat in her car in the Chatham Dockside Outlet.
Molly, 23, had been to the gym but left when Stimpson arrived telling friends "I feel like I'm looking over my shoulder all the time".
Devastating evidence presented to the jury at Maidstone Crown Court included chilling CCTV footage of Stimpson at the gym moments before he killed Molly.
The court has heard transcripts of the last WhatsApp message Molly sent to a friend moments before her death and of Stimpson standing next to Molly's car moments after he killed her
Terrifying pictures of the pickaxe and murder weapon Stimpson purchased the day before were shown to the court and the jury were read psychiatric reports describing his mental state.
Stimpson was sentenced to live imprisonment.
Molly McLaren murder trial
- Bodycam footage after stabbing
- Haunting last message
- Stimpson denies murder
- In memory of Molly
Molly McLaren murder trial
- Bodycam footage after stabbing
- Haunting last message
- Stimpson denies murder
- In memory of Molly
Follow our live reaction blog below.
Key Events
SENTENCED
Lots of emotions
Senior investigating officer
DCI David Chewter was the senior investigating officer in the case and gave a statement outside the court.
Facebook relief
Comments are coming in thick and fast and the news of Stimpson being found guilty and sentenced to life.
One relieved reader said: “Excellent news some closure for her family RIP Molly.”
Another wrote: “Good. A life sentence is exactly what he deserved.”
A family statement is due to be read out
Det Sgt Ali Worton, present at court, is set to read a statement to the media on Maidstone Crown Court’s steps.
We will be broadcasting this LIVE on our Facebook page. To follow the stream, visit our page by clicking here.
KEY EVENT
SENTENCED
Stimpson will get LIFE imprisonment and is not to be considered for parole before 26 years
It continues...
Prosecution suggested early there was a degree of planning to do it and that stalking is an aggravating factor.
But the defence admitted while there was some degree of prior planning this was not significant
Sentencing has started...
Judge Adele Williams says: “The prosecution suggests there was a degree of planning and that he was out to do it and stalking was an aggravating factor.”
The minimum term will be 25 years
The judge is back in court, sentencing has started
‘I would like to pay tribute to Molly’s family for the strength and dignity they have shown'
Senior investigating officer Det Sgt Ali Worton said: ‘Molly was a popular and ambitious young woman with her whole life ahead of her but this was stolen by Stimpson in the most brutal way imaginable.
‘He has proven to be an extremely dangerous individual and needs to spend a lengthy period of time in prison where he can cause no further harm to innocent people.
‘It was clear to the jury and us that Molly’s death was pre-planned and that Stimpson is a cold and calculated killer rather than somebody who does not have the mental capacity to control himself.
‘By denying murder and failing to accept responsibility for his actions, he forced Molly’s family and friends to suffer even further distress through the tough ordeal of a crown court trial.
‘I would like to pay tribute to Molly’s family for the strength and dignity they have shown throughout and I hope this result is of some comfort.
‘I would also like to thank the police officers and ambulance staff who attended the scene of Molly’s death and fought valiantly to save her. They face difficult situations on a daily basis but this was one that will certainly live long in the memory and I am keen that their efforts are recognised.
‘Finally I would like to express thanks and recognise the courage of the members of public who tried desperately to stop the attack on Molly.’
Jury
Jury’s back in getting ready for sentencing.
They have been officially dismissed but they are allowed to stay to see the sentence - so they all have.
'Nothing will bring her back'
Friends have expressed their relief at the verdict and said while “nothing will bring her back” they are “so glad” for the verdict
'Yes!'
“There were shouts of “Yes!” from the public gallery and sobs as the verdict was announced.”
KEY EVENT
Lots of emotions
Our reporter said there were a lot of emotions in court when the verdict of GUILTY was read.
He said: “There was a big reaction when the verdict was given.
“Gasps of relief and tears. A lot of people are hugging at the moment.”
