U.K. man sentenced to life in prison for murder of Canadian teenager

CHELMSFORD, United Kingdom — A British man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a Canadian teenager who moved to England last year to meet him. 

Essex Police say in a statement that Jack Sepple will spend a minimum 23 1/2 years in prison for the stabbing death of Ashley Wadsworth of Vernon, B.C.

The police say Wadsworth, 19, was stabbed and strangled during a sustained attack in the 23-year-old’s home on Feb. 1.

Earlier that day, police say two of the young woman’s friends received texts saying Wadsworth needed help and wanted to leave, followed by messages saying everything was “sorted,” which officials later determined were sent after her death.