TINDER KILLER ‘MUST NEVER BE RELEASED’

Obsessed ex gets life for student’s murder

AN obsessed ex who murdered his Tinder girlfriend in “revenge” for dumping him was told he may never be released as he was jailed for life yesterday.

Joshua Stimpson, 26, wanted to “punish” student Molly Mclaren, 23, after she ended their seven-month relationship, a judge said.

The warehouse worker was twice warned by police to stay away from her after he posted derogatory messages about her on Facebook.

Then 12 days after their split he followed her to a gym armed with a knife and pickaxe and attacked her in her car, stabbing her 75 times in the neck, face, chest and arms.

Minutes earlier, Molly had sent a message to friends saying: “Feel like I’m f ****** looking over my shoulder all the time.”

Eight days before, she told pals: “I’m actually scared what he might do... I’m scared he might hurt me. I don’t know how on the edge he is.” Two days before killing her Stimpson was seen on CCTV buying the Sabatier knife he used in the attack. A pickaxe was found in his car after his arrest.

The court heard he had slashed another woman’s tyres after just one date and bombarded her with up to 25 missed calls a day. Another ex said: “I used to refer to him as my stalker.”

Stimpson, of Wouldham, Kent, was jailed for a minimum 26 years yesterday at Maidstone crown court. Judge Adele Williams told him: “You were determined to punish her for ending the relationship. You were seeking revenge. You are a highly dangerous young man. You may never be released, you may serve more than the minimum term.”

Molly’s family of Cobham, Kent, called for greater awareness of the dangers of stalking.

They added: “We are serving a lifetime of pain, anguish and loss. A light has gone out in all of our hearts but shines bright as a star forever glowing. We love you Molly.”

JAILING STIMPSON YESTERDAY