Man accused of killing teenage girlfriend makes crown court appearance

Canadian Ashley Wadsworth, 19, met her alleged killer through a dating app before moving to England.

Jack Sepple, of Tennyson Road, Chelmsford, did not enter a plea during Friday’s appearance (Elizabeth Cook/PA) (PA Wire)

A man accused of murdering his 19-year-old girlfriend has made his first crown court appearance.

Jack Sepple, 23, of Tennyson Road, Chelmsford Essex is alleged to have killed Ashley Wadsworth on Tuesday.

On Friday, he entered no pleas as he appeared in custody at Chelmsford Crown Court via video link.

He had a blank expression on his face as he spoke only to confirm his name.

The hearing was adjourned until March 7.

Sepple spoke only to confirm his name during Friday’s crown court appearance (Elizabeth Cook/PA) (PA Wire)

Essex Police attended an address in Tennyson Road shortly after 4pm.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the Canadian teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ms Wadsworth was originally from Vernon, British Colombia, and met Sepple through an online dating app.

She moved to Chelmsford in November 2021, she wrote on Facebook.

Earlier this year, she posted photos online of her “amazing trip to London”, where she had been sightseeing.