A father has denied murdering a teen mum near a town centre train station.

Jason Pascal Flore denied murdering Stephanie Marie, who was fatally wounded at Crawley train station car park in August.

Stephanie, 19, was pronounced dead after she was found in a tent having been stabbed in the heart.

The 19-year-old mum, who was born in Mauritius, was described by her family as a much loved student who had her whole life ahead of her.

Stephanie’s family said in a statement: “Stephanie was a much-loved daughter, sister and mother.

Stephanie MarieStephanie Marie (Image: Family handout)

“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.”

Flore, of no fixed abode, was the father of Stephanie's child and was arrested and charged with murder.

The 26-year-old appeared at Lewes Crown Court wearing a grey t-shirt on Wednesday morning.

He spoke only to confirm his name and enter a not guilty plea to murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Sussex Police said they were called to Station Way, Crawley at around 7.10am on August 18 following reports of an altercation between a man and a woman.

A post mortem examination at Worthing hospital on August 23 gave her provisional cause of death as stab wounds to the heart and aorta.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Sam Blackburn said: “Our specialist officers are supporting Stephanie’s family and friends “We continue to urge anyone with any information which could aid our investigation to get in touch with us.”

A trial is expected to take place at the same court in February next year.