British boyfriend admits murdering Canadian teen lover on first visit to UK after luring her online

A FRIEND 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 she flew to the UK to meet online partner Jack Sepple, 23.

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Sepple admitted to Wadsworth’s murder during a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

Canadian Ashley came to the UK on a six-month tourist visa after meeting Sepple online, sources say.

He was reportedly discovered on a bed next to Ashley’s body when police arrived.

An inquest revealed how Ashley was found unresponsive in the apartment block on February 1 – and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquest was told she died of “stab wounds to the chest.”

In a brief hearing at Chelmsford Crown today, Seple’s lawyer said a psychiatrist had indicated the defendant was capable of pleading.

Christopher Paxton, QC, for Sepple, said that the “fitness issue is now resolved” and requested that the defendant be invited to plead.

The clerk read out the only charge of murder and Sepple – standing in the safe dock in a long-sleeved top with long white sleeves and tattoos on his face and hand – replied, “I’m guilty.”

Judge Christopher Morgan told Sepple, “Your guilty plea to murder can only carry out a sentence of imprisonment, and that is life imprisonment.”

He placed the accused in custody pending a sentencing date.

In the days leading up to her death, smitten Ashley shared a series of radiant photos on her Facebook as she explored London with Seple.

The photos showed the couple embracing 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.

But she was scheduled to fly home after cutting short the trip, claiming “things weren’t going too well”.

In a heartbreaking tribute, her mother Christy said: “Ashley …. Mama loves you and I’ll see you soon baby.

“Your sister and I are waiting for you here. God bless.”

Christy also thanked “everyone in the UK, Canada and around the world for their support and generosity at this difficult time”.

She added, “I struggle every day to come to terms with this terrible tragedy and I look forward to bringing my baby home.”

Ashley’s family previously recognized her “spontaneous, witty, kind personality” and her “unforgettable laugh.”

They also shared how the teen was “very loving and loyal to her family and friends” and touched on her sense of adventure.

The family explained Ashley has traveled to Mexico, California and England, which “encouraged her love of the language.”

She spoke three languages ​​and dreamed of becoming a lawyer after getting accepted to a university in Canada.

Her loved ones added, “Ashley, you are beautiful to us and we will miss you very, very, very much.” Ashley’s sister also paid tribute to her “best friend,” while niece Paisley called her “best aunt ever.”

Thanking those who organized a vigil for Ashley in Essex, the family continued: “It touched us so deeply, there really are no words to express our gratitude.

“You were able to do something for Ashley that we couldn’t and we will forever be grateful.

“How lucky can we be that people around the world care so much for a family they’ve never met?”

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