THE family of tragic Ashley Woolley said they are still in pieces following his murder.

Earlier today, Steven Davenport, of Hillside Grove, Chelmsford, pleaded guilty to the murder of 18-year-old Ashley, where he admitted stabbing the Chelmsford College student to death in Oaklands Park on December 18.

Ashley, who lived in the town, was taken to Broomfield Hospital but sadly died later the same day.

Ashley’s family released a statement following the brief hearing earlier today.

They said: "On December 18, 2014, we were going about our daily lives and at 5.25pm we received the tragic news Ashley had been murdered. We still don’t know how our lives are going to carry on. We were then and are still in pieces.

"Ashley was loving and caring and always smiling. He would have done anything he could to help you. Why this happened to Ashley we will never know.

“We miss Ashley every minute of every day: his murder has stolen our lives. Everybody who knew Ashley loved Ashley.

"We miss Ashley and pay for him every night wishing we could bring her home. We will never again hear his laugh or see his cheeky smiley face.

"We would like to thank everyone that helped Ashley at the time and everyone who has helped us since. We will never get over the loss of Ashley.

“Rest in peace Ash; Forever young.”

Senior Investigating Officer, Supt Mark Hall, said: "I am pleased that Steven Davenport has admitted his guilt and has saved Ashley’s family the trauma of having to endure a trial after being left devastated.

"Ashley was popular and well-liked in the community and his death shortly before Christmas last year caused widespread shock and distress.

"Local enquiries enabled police to quickly identify and arrest Davenport as the suspect. He now faces a substantial term of imprisonment"

Sentencing has been adjourned until July 10.