Life prison sentence for Lewis Ashdown who murdered 18-year-old Marc Williams in East Sussex woodland

Lewis Ashdown was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 27 years for the murder of 18-year-old Marc Williams in the early hours of May 30, 2021. He was sentenced today (October 28) At Lewes Crown Court,

Ashdown, 20, of Normansland, Fairwarp, had pleaded guilty to murder and possession of an offensive weapon when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Monday, August 23.

Marc had considered Ashdown a friend, and met up with him on the evening of May 29 to socialise and drink alcohol in woodland in Fairwarp.

Marc, who rarely drank alcohol, had a phone call with his aunt around 11.30pm in which he sounded drunk but said he was planning to head home. When he failed to return, his family grew concerned and reported him to police as a missing person.

Officers began conducting enquiries, and found Ashdown was missing as well. However, a search of his home address found bloodied clothing hidden in a wardrobe.

Fast-time forensics found the blood belonged to Marc and a murder investigation was launched.

Ashdown was found at the address of a friend in Eastbourne and was arrested. His friend told police Ashdown had admitted killing Marc in the woods.

Officers continued to search for Marc and later sadly found his body in woodland near Fairwarp. It was confirmed he had died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Ashdown was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon, and pleaded guilty to both offences at court.

Ashdown stabbed marc more than 100 times with a knife he had taken from his mother’s kitchen. He also filmed the murder on his mobile phone.

Lewes Crown Court heard there was no explanation for the extreme brutality of his sustained and prolonged attack. His crime was described as a horrific, ghastly and gruesome murder.

The court heard Ashdown went to the cinema after the murder to see a violet film. Following his trip to the cinema he got drunk and told a friend he had done something terrible before confessing and showing the seven video clips from his phone of Marc Williams before and after death.

In an emotional victim impact statement, mum Lena Williams said her son would be forever in the hearts of his family.

She described the physical pain of each new awful detail like tiny pieces of her soul being stripped away.

“That night was the worst of my life and will forever haunt me,” she said.

“His life, future and dignity were taken.

“All he wanted was a friend.

“He was trusting.

“This vulnerability cost him his life.”

Lena described Ashdown as a calcluating, vicious and cold killer.

“I wonder for myself, can I live the rest of my life knowing I will never see my first born again?

“One thing I know is evil can never be rehabilitated.”

Detective chief inspector Emma Vickers, senior investigating officer in the case, 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.”