Sex offender gets life after murdering Ashleigh Hall

Mar 8 2010 The Journal

CONVICTED sex offender Peter Chapman was jailed for life today after admitting the kidnap, rape and murder of teenager Ashleigh Hall whom he met on the internet. 

The 33-year-old defendant, of no fixed address, dramatically changed his plea at Teesside Crown Court as he was due to go on trial this morning for the killing of the 17-year-old childcare student, of Darlington, after he posed as a younger man and befriended her on a social networking site.

Chapman was told by Judge Peter Fox QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, he would serve a minimum of 35 years in prison before being considered for release.

Ashleigh's body was found dumped in a farmer’s field near Sedgefield, County Durham, in October last year.

Chapman also pleaded guilty to failing to notify police of a change of address, as required by the sex offenders register.

Police are urging all parents to be aware of the potential hazards of their children making friends online.