A MAN has admitted stabbing a Hampshire man to death after an argument involving his ex-girlfriend.

Liam Darvill, 20, had been released from prison on April 4, just four days before he attacked 31-year-old Dean Evans, who was found lying on the pavement suffering from serious stab wounds in Benham Road, Popey.

He was originally charged with murder but dramatically pleaded guilty to manslaughter during a hearing at Winchester Crown Court.

Gasps were heard in the public gallery when Lord Justice Sweeney was shown the weapon used in the attack.

At one point during the hearing a member of the public confronted Darvill in the dock, punched the glass in the dock and called him a coward before fleeing the room.

Darvill, of Beaconsfield Road, Basingstoke, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison on February 23 for brandishing a bladed object in public.

And William Mousley, defending, told the court that on April 8 Darvill had been asleep downstairs at the home of an ex-girlfriend of Mr Evans when she, Mr Evans and another person began to shout.

Darvill, who did not know Mr Evans, picked up a knife and went upstairs to see what was happening.

He admitted stabbing Mr Evans twice, washed the knife in the kitchen, then fled the scene before washing his clothes and handing himself in to police.

Mr Mousley said: “He had no intention to kill and was acting in defence of himself and others.”

He added: “He admitted that he had a knife when going into the bedroom.”

Prosecutor Adam Feest said: “This was not self-defence and even though Mr Evans may have started the fight, it was not him who finished it.”

Lord Sweeney said: “It is more than a momentary lack of control. It is a momentary loss of judgement stabbing deliberately. No question that it is the lack of judgement in relation to harming a person without a weapon.”

He added: “The defendant admitted he stabbed the deceased twice.”

A report read out by Mr Mousley, made by consultant psychologist Dr Paul Warren, noted Darvill had struggled with separation of his parents at a young age and had an attention deficit disorder.

It read: “He describes himself as anxious and frightened in situations such as busy, noisy environments. "

Murder charges against Mr Harris were dropped on September 9.

Darvill is due to be sentenced today.