A 51-year-old man, who stabbed to death his ex-girlfriend and her new partner in Ilford last year, will be sentenced at the Old Bailey today.

Paul Mallin killed Karen Reid, 53, and John Down, 86, at the Fernways sheltered housing unit where they all lived on September 5.

He was due on trial in January for two counts of murder, however the prosecution dropped those charges following psychological and psychiatric reports.

Mallin, also of Fernways, Cecil Road, Ilford, had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter on January 4.

He has been remanded in custody at Belmarsh prison.

There are various options for sentence, including an indefinite jail term or a hospital order.

See the Recorder website later today for a full report.