Man denies murder of mother in train station parking lot

Jason Flore arrives at the court for an earlier hearing

Eddie Mitchell Jason Flore arrives at court for an earlier hearing. He is led out of a van while wearing a gray sweatshirt. — Jason Flore arrives at the court for an earlier hearing

A man has denied murdering a 19-year-old mother who was stabbed in a car park in West Sussex.

Jason Flore, 26, of no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to the murder and manslaughter of Stephanie Marie at a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday.

Ms Marie was found in the car park of Crawley train station at 7.10am BST on August 18. She was treated by ambulance personnel, but died at the scene.

The trial date has been set for February 3 next year.

Ms Marie’s family said they were “devastated” by her death

British Transport Police Stephanie Marie. She looks at the camera with a blank expression and long, curly red hair — Ms Marie’s family said they were “devastated” by her death

In an earlier statement, Ms Marie’s family said: “We are devastated that her young life has ended in this way. She still had her whole life ahead of her.

“At school she excelled in sports and enjoyed basketball, football and gymnastics. We will miss her so much. Life will never be the same again.”