Fairwarp man given life for murder of friend

Lewis Ashdown pleaded guilty to killing Marc Williams earlier this year

Author: Adam GoacherPublished 28th Oct 2021

A man has been jailed for life for the murder of his friend in woodland near Uckfield.

Lewis Ashdown, 20, will serve a minimum of 27 years after pleading guilty to the murder of Marc Williams, 18, in the early hours of Sunday 30 May this year.

Ashdown, of Normansland, Fairwarp, also pleaded guilty to murder and possession of an offensive weapon at Lewes Crown Court.

Marc had considered Ashdown a friend, and met up with him on Saturday 29 May to socialise and drink alcohol with him.

He had a phone call with his aunt around 11.30pm that night to say he was planning on heading home, but he never arrived.

He and Ashdown were reported missing, however searches of Ashdown's home address found bloodied clothes hidden in a wardrobe. It was later discovered that blood belonged to Marc.

Officers arrested Ashdown at the address of a friend in Eastbourne, who told police Ashdown had admitted killing Marc in the woods.

Marc Williams

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, said: “This was a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a young man who thought he was simply out enjoying an evening with a friend.

“Lewis Ashdown took advantage of Marc’s trust and friendship, and killed him in a sustained and violent assault.

“Marc's family have behaved with the utmost dignity throughout this case and our thoughts are very much with them and Marc's friends at this incredibly distressing time.”

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