A MECHANIC accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend has been described as a "polite and considerate" gentleman.

Character references were read out in court in support of defendant Michael Lane, who is standing trial charged with murdering Shana Grice in her bedroom in Chrisdory Road, Portslade, on August 25 last year.

Simon Russell-Flint, defending, read statements from three people who had known Lane for years including church warden and school catering manager Ann Beard.

She said she had known Lane for 20 years, and saw him on a weekly basis for around 15 years.

She described him as someone with "old fashioned values" like opening doors for people and giving up his seat for someone else who was in greater need.

She said he was "polite", "considerate" and a "gentleman in his manner". She said she never had a reason to distrust him.

Lane is accused of stalking Miss Grice in the months leading up to her death after their on-off relationship went sour.

The 27-year-old, of Thornhill Rise, Portslade, denies murder.

The jury is expected to begin its deliberations tomorrow.

The trial continues.