A BOYFRIEND will stand trial accused of murdering his Canadian girlfriend while she visited him for the first time in 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.
He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today for a brief hearing.
No pleas were entered and Sepple spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
A provisional trial date was set for September 5.
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 later declared dead at the scene.
Most read in The Sun
COLD-BLOODED MURDER 
Mum, son & girl, 8, killed as merciless Russians shell fleeing families
New laws to come in April including changes to car tax & HMRC payments
Ryan Thomas breaks silence after ex Tina O'Brien is accused of smashing his car
Mum stuns shoppers after she appears to arrive at the supermarket NAKED
A provisional cause of death was given as "stab wounds to the chest".
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.
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.”
'BEAUTIFUL'
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.
“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?”
Source: Read Full Article
