A man has appeared before a crown court judge charged with murdering his 19-year-old partner in Crawley on Sunday (18 August).
Jason Flore, 26, wearing a grey t-shirt, spoke only to confirm his name at Lewes Crown Court this morning (Wednesday 21 August).
Flore is charged with the murder of his partner Stephanie Marie but was not asked to enter a plea although his barrister Gregory Fishwick said that he denied killing her.
Patrick Dennis, prosecuting, said that the trial was expected to take three weeks.
Judge Christine Laing said that a formal plea hearing would take place on Thursday 7 November and said that a trial was due to start on Monday 3 February.
Flore was remanded in custody.
The British Transport Police (BTP) said yesterday that Stephanie Marie was a “much-loved daughter, sister and mother”.
She was found with stab wounds in a car park close to Crawley railway station, in Station Way, and died at the scene.
Today, the court was told that Flore and Stephanie Marie were the parents of a daughter.
The BTP said yesterday: “Stephanie Marie was found in the station car park at around 7.10am where she was sadly declared dead by paramedics. Her injuries were consistent with being stabbed.
“Detectives investigating the incident have charged 26-year-old Jason Pascal Flore with murder. He was remanded and will appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court this morning (Tuesday 20 August).”
Her family paid tribute, saying: “Stephanie was a much-loved daughter, sister and mother. We are devastated that her young life has been ended in this way. She had her whole life ahead of her.
“At school she excelled at sport and loved basketball, football and gymnastics. We will miss her so much. Life will never be the same.”
The senior investigating officer, Temporary Detective Superintendent Sam Blackburn, said: “Our specialist officers are supporting Stephanie’s family and friends. Please can we ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
“We continue to urge anyone with any information which could aid our investigation to get in touch with us.”
The BTP added: “Anyone with any information is urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or by texting 61016 quoting Operation Venn.
“Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.”
