U.K. man admits to killing Vernon teen Ashley Wadsworth

The U.K. man accused in the death of Vernon teen Ashley Wadsworth has admitted to her murder, Essex police say.

The then-19-year-old was found with multiple stab wounds when officers arrived to an area of Chelmsford on Feb. 1.

Despite first responders’ efforts, Wadsworth did not survive.

Jack Sepple, her boyfriend at the time, was arrested in connection with her death and later charged with murder.

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In a trial preparation hearing Wednesday, police say the 23-year-old pleaded guilty. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 10.

Christy Gendron, Wadsworth’s mother, tells CityNews she was up all night knowing Sepple was going to be in court.

“I didn’t know exactly what the hearing was about but I had a feeling. They said that it might be bigger. So I stayed up and I got the call … at 3:30 in the morning I think it was, I’m not sure the exact time, that it was a guilty plea,” she explained.

“I’m just happy that we don’t have to go through a long, extended trial, to have to hear everything day in, day out, for two to three weeks. I’m happy for that, but ultimately, it doesn’t bring Ashley back.”

In a statement, Detective Superintendent Scott Egerton said the evidence against Sepple was “so overwhelming that he was left with very few options other than to admit his guilt.”

“At the very least, today’s plea means Ashley’s family will be spared the heartache of having to sit through a trial,” he added.

Wadsworth had moved to the U.K. to be with Sepple, police note. Her death sent shockwaves through the community — both in the U.K. and in B.C.’s Okanagan.

A vigil in Chelmsford held after her death drew dozens of people, many carrying flowers, pictures, and lanterns in her honour.

The teen’s family has said her death was an “unthinkable tragedy, and something that is not supposed to happen in real life.”

Gendron says losing her daughter has been a “traumatic and horrific” experience.

“I think I have high-functioning shock quite a bit. It’s left a hole in my family that we’re never going to get back,” she said, adding both she and Ashley’s sister “have struggled every day with this, on and off, with the grief.”

She has been remembered by loved ones as a vibrant and charismatic person with a heart of gold.

“From day one she was spitfire. Big blue eyes, always inquisitive, loved to learn, loved school, loved travel — wanted to learn about other cultures, religions — she was a free spirit,” her mother said Wednesday.

“She was loving, caring, wanted to help people. That’s who she was,” Gendron added of her daughter.

Gendron says she plans to fly to the U.K. for the first time for Sepple’s sentencing. While there, she tells CityNews she’ll lay flowers where her daughter passed.

“I miss you and I love you. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you,” Gendron said in a message to Ashley.