Brit boyfriend admits murdering Canadian teen lover during her first visit to UK after luring her online
A BOYFRIEND has admitted murdering his Canadian teenage lover during her first visit to the UK.
Ashley Wadsworth, 19, was stabbed to death in Chelmsford, Essex, just weeks after flying to Britain to meet online partner Jack Sepple, 23.
Sepple today admitted murdering Wadsworth during a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Canadian Ashley was on a six-month tourist visa and came to Britain after meeting Sepple online, it is said.
He was allegedly discovered on a bed next to Ashley’s body when police arrived.
An inquest heard how Ashley was found unresponsive at the block of flats on February 1 – and was later declared dead at the scene.
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An inquest hearing was told that she died of “stab wounds to the chest”.
In a brief hearing at Chelmsford Crown today, Sepple’s barrister said a psychiatrist had indicated that the defendant was fit to plead.
Christopher Paxton QC, for Sepple, said that the “issue of fitness is now resolved” and requested that the defendant be asked to enter a plea.
The court clerk read the single charge of murder and Sepple – standing in the secure dock in a long white sleeved top and with tattoos on his face and hand – replied: “I’m guilty.”
Judge Christopher Morgan told Sepple: “By your plea of guilty to murder there’s only one sentence that can be passed and that’s a life sentence.”
He remanded the defendant in custody until a sentencing date can be fixed.
In the days leading up to her death, lovestruck Ashley shared a series of beaming photos on her Facebook as she explored London with Sepple.
The photos showed the pair hugging outside popular tourist spots in London as she branded him “my bestie”.
Her Facebook revealed she was leaving her home in Vernon, British Columbia, to move to Chelmsford more than 2,000 miles away in November.
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But she was due to fly home after cutting the trip short amid claims “things weren’t going great”.
In a heartbreaking tribute, her mum Christy said: “Ashley…. Mommy loves you and I will see you soon baby.
“Your sister and I are here waiting for you. God bless.”
Christy also thanked “everybody in the UK, Canada and around the world for their support and generosity at this difficult time”.
She added: “I am struggling every day to come to terms with this horrific tragedy and am eager to bring my baby home.”
Ashley’s family previously paid tribute to her “spontaneous, witty, kind personality” and “unforgettable laugh”.
They also told how the teen was “fiercely loving and loyal to her family and friends” and touched on her sense of adventure.
The family explained Ashley had travelled to Mexico, California and England, which “encouraged her love of language”.
She spoke three languages and dreamed of becoming a lawyer after being accepted to university in Canada.
Her loved ones added: “Ashley, you are beautiful to us, and we will miss you very, very, much.” Ashley’s sister also paid tribute to her “best friend”, while niece Paisley called her the “best aunty ever”.
Thanking those who organised a vigil for Ashley for in Essex, the family continued: “It has touched us so deeply, there are truly no words to express our gratitude.
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“They were able to do something for Ashley that we couldn’t, and we will be forever thankful.
“How lucky are we to have people from across the world care so much about a family that they have never met?”