Ashleigh Hall's family tell of a year of struggle

Oct 26 2010 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

THE GRANDFATHER of a teenager murdered by an internet predator has spoken out a year on from her death.

Ashleigh Hall was killed by convicted sex offender Peter Chapman after she got to know him through the social networking site Facebook.

Now, a year on from the 17-year-old’s death, her family have spoken of their struggle to cope with the loss.

Opening his heart on the first anniversary of Ashleigh’s death, Mike Hall said his family is slowly trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

He has also urged other youngsters to learn from Ashleigh’s tragic example and stay safe online.

The Darlington College childcare student was killed by 33-year-old Peter Chapman who used the website to pose as a good-looking 19-year-old – befriending the teenager before arranging to meet her in person.

When trusting Ashleigh went to meet Chapman, he raped and then murdered her.

In March, he was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court to a minimum of 35 years behind bars.