Man Jailed for Life Over Murder of Beloved Mother Sarah Ashwell
Antanas Jankauskas Sentenced
Antanas Jankauskas, 39, from Wookey, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 14 years and 10 months after admitting to murdering 47-year-old Sarah Ashwell in Wells. The shocking guilty plea came at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, 10 March.
Heartbreaking Statement from Family
The court heard a devastating personal statement from Sarah’s family describing their grief. Her parents revealed the sheer heartbreak of losing their only child, while Sarah’s two young sons face a future without their mother’s love.
“Who gave you the right to take her life? … You knew she had two young children and people that loved her.
The boys have lost their mummy. One day she was watching her son’s rugby match, the next they were told she was dead. How can you live with that?”
“Sarah used to talk about the boys getting married one day and having children of their own. Now she will never meet those partners or know what it’s like to be a grandparent.
“We will never have Sarah back. The last minutes of her life haunt me and will until the day I die.”
— Excerpt from Sarah’s mother’s statement
Judge Condemns Killer’s Crime
The Honorary Recorder of Bristol, His Honour Judge Peter Blair QC, said Jankauskas had robbed Sarah’s children of their mother’s love. He described the family’s impact statement as incredibly moving and condemned the devastating consequences of the crime.
Police Praise Investigation Team
Sarah was found dead at her home in South Street on Sunday, 7 November 2021. Avon and Somerset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team launched a murder probe. Initially, five men were arrested, but only Jankauskas faced charges.
Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins, who led the inquiry, said: “Sarah’s life was taken by someone she trusted. I pay tribute to her family for their strength after facing every parent’s worst nightmare.”
“We uncovered that Sarah was a much-loved mother, daughter, and friend. Thanks to extensive forensic and digital investigations, alongside house-to-house inquiries and CCTV, we built an ironclad case for the prosecution.”
Independent Police Conduct Review Underway
Avon and Somerset Police referred the case to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior police contact with Sarah before her death. With the criminal case now closed, the IOPC will conduct its independent investigation.
