A chef is facing life in prison after he admitted stabbing his friend more than 100 times in a frenzied attack.
Lewis Ashdown, 20, had been on a night out with Marc Williams, 18, who phoned his family at 11.30pm on May 29 to say he was on his way back.
But neither boys returned home and were reported missing.
Ashdown was found safe before Marc’s body was discovered in woodland near where he was last seen in Uckfield, East Sussex.
Ashdown today admitted murdering his friend between May 28 to May 31 at Lewes Crown Court.
He was told he would be jailed for life at a sentencing hearing next month.
Family members wiped tears from their eyes as the court heard there would be no trial.
Lewis Power QC, defending Ashdown, said he knows it’s a life sentence, adding: ‘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.’
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.’
Marc’s family said in a statement: ‘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.’
mtro
