Man sentenced to life in prison for murder of Uckfield teenager

A man has been jailed for life for the murder of a teenager in woodland near Uckfield, in East Sussex.

At Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (October 28), 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 Sunday 30 May, 2021.

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 Saturday 29 May to socialise and drink alcohol in woodland in Fairwarp.

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.

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 found his body in woodland near Fairwarp. It was confirmed he had died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

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.”