Mother comment 'led to killing'

Ellen Leach, 25, was stabbed twice in the back

A man accused of murdering his partner said he was provoked by something she said about his mother during an argument, Luton Crown Court has heard.

Andrew Day, 22, stabbed 25-year-old Ellen Leach twice in the back at their flat in The Truncalls, Luton.

Mr Day admits stabbing the mother-of-two last May but denies murder.

The court heard the couple had a row about naming their kitten and when Miss Leach made a comment about his mother, Mr Day "exploded" and stabbed her.

'Gone blank'

Mr Day said during an argument about what to call their new kitten, he had said "stab the cat", something he had said before as a joke.

The court has heard when he was arrested later by armed police, he admitted stabbing the 25-year-old, claiming his mind had "gone blank" after she slapped him.

The jury has also heard Mr Day had a "predilection" for knives but was only allowed to keep his "favourite" Bowie knife at the flat in The Truncalls.

He said his stepfather had been violent during his childhood, but Lynn Tayton QC, prosecuting, said he had told a psychiatrist his stepfather was "kind and caring".

The court has heard Miss Leach died of one of the stab wounds that pierced her abdomen.

After the stabbing, Day threw the knife out of the window while calling 999.

He fled after a paramedic arrived and asked him what had happened.

The court heard one psychiatrist diagnosed Mr Day with having Intermittent Explosive Disorder, explaining his violent action.

The case continues.