Uckfield man facing life sentence after pleading guilty to murder
Lewis Ashdown pleaded guilty to the murder of Marc Williams at Lewes Crown Court today
Last updated 23rd Aug 2021
A man who stabbed his friend in woodland near Uckfield is facing life in prison after pleading guilty to his murder.
Chef Lewis Ashdown, now 20, attacked Marc Williams, 18, following a night out in East Sussex.
Both boys were reported missing after the night out in Fairwarp on May 30th this year.
Ashdown was found safe the following day but Marc, who had phoned his family to say he was on his way home, never returned.
After three days of searches, his body was found in woodland in the Heron's Ghyll area.
Lewis Power QC, representing Ashdown at Lewes Crown Court on Monday (August 23rd), said:
"He will say he did not pre-plan the murder but at the scene he did form the intent and he did carry out that murder."
Following the guilty plea, members of the victim's family bowed their heads and wiped tears from their eyes.
They said:
"Marc touched the hearts of so many people, and made their lives brighter with his loving, caring and thoughtful actions.
“We are feeling his loss every second and that will never change.
"Our hearts are broken.
“Rest peacefully, our cheeky boy.
"With so much love from Mum, Dad and your whole family.”
Ashdown also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon and will be sentenced on September 24th.
Senior investigating officer for Sussex Police, 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.
“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Marc at this incredibly distressing time.”