‘I’ve been stabbed’ Court hears dad’s final words

A 29-year-old man is charged with murdering his friend

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, May 4, sparking a murder investigation. He died at the scene after paramedics desperately tried to save him. Last week his mother, Diane Simmons, spoke of the devastating moment she saw her son pass away. She had gone to investigate after seeing blue lights outside her son’s house. Mr Simmons, a dad-of-three, had become a new father again, just 11 weeks ago, as he and his fiancee, Charlotte Muddiman welcomed daughter Dolcie. Kieron Nicholson, 29, of Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh, is charged with murdering the father-of-three, and 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 heard a 29-yearold man from Maidstone, 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, 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.