A JUDGE has ordered psychiatric reports on a man who is accused of killing a stranger in a random attack in a supermarket car park.

Kevin Gale appeared at Exeter Crown Court by video link from Langdon Hospital in Dawlish accused of the manslaughter of 39-year-old Lee Turner, who died from stab wounds outside the Tesco store in Barnstaple on August 3, 2018.

Gale, also known as Mr Kitkat, aged 54, formerly of Rackfield Road, Barnstaple, is accused of manslaughter and will be expected to enter a plea when he returns to court on December 9.

Judge Peter Johnson asked the hospital to supply two reports from psychiatrists which will deal with Gale’s diagnosis, possible level of culpability, and future treatment.

Gale is likely to enter a plea at the next hearing.

He has been a patient at Langdon since January 2019 when he was ruled to be unfit to stand trial and a jury at Exeter Crown Court concluded that he did the acts which were alleged against him.

His case has been sent back to the same court after his mental condition improved to the point where he is now considered to be fit to plead.

Mr Sean Brunton, KC, said the existing indefinite hospital order will expire when Gale enters a plea to the new indictment and so alternative arrangement will need to be put in place immediately.

Mr Richard Crabb, defending, said he hoped the case could be resolved at the next hearing if all the medical reports are in place.

New father Mr Turner died of stab wounds after allegedly being attacked with a Spiderman throwing knife outside the shop in Barnstaple in August 2018.

Mr Turner  had gone to buy two bottles of milk. He did not know his killer and never even saw his attacker.

His dying words were ‘Why me? What have I done?’