KILLER: ‘I CONFESS’
FAMILY OF MURDERED SCHOOLGIRL ARE TOLD KILLER HAS MADE A CONFESSION, EIGHT YEARS ON
A TEENAGE killer who murdered his ex-girlfriend over a bet for a free breakfast has finally confessed to the murder.
Joshua Davies bludgeoned 15-year-old Rebecca Aylward to death with a rock in 2010 after luring her to woods near Aberkenfig, Bridgend.
Now, eight years later, Davies has confessed to prison officers, according to Rebecca’s mother – raising her fears that the move could help his bid for early release.
“He woke up, asked to see someone, I’m guessing a probation officer, and just said ‘I did it,’” Rebecca’s mother Sonia Oatley said.
“He told them before he told anyone else – even his family.”
During the 2011 trial Rebecca’s family heard how Davies had bragged to friends he was going to kill his former girlfriend, and talked about poisoning her or pushing her into a quarry or river.
A bet was also arranged between the Maesteg schoolboy and his friends, who said they would buy him a cooked breakfast in exchange for her death.
Throughout the five-week trial, however, the teenager refused to confess, and instead blamed Rebecca’s death on a friend.
Sonia, 57, said she learnt of Davies’ confession after being asked to visit the probation office.
She said: “When she told me I expected her to say he had put in an appeal as we’re reaching the halfway point [of Davies’ minimum sentence].
“I knew it was going to be something as they don’t call you in for nothing.
“When they told me I don’t think I said anything for a few minutes. I was trying to work what she was saying.
“I couldn’t believe it, I don’t know how I felt initially.”
After his trial 16-year-old Davies was told he would serve a minimum of 14 years in prison.
Sonia, who has two other children, says she is now worried Davies’ confession could help him if he appeals for an early release.
She said: “When he admitted it I thought he must have a reason for doing it as he denied it all the way through.
“I thought he must have a hidden agenda.
“He’s only doing it for his own benefit, not that he has any empathy for the family. It’s cruel.
“My family felt the same. In a way I would rather he didn’t admit it so he could stay in prison but at the same time I need answers about why he did it. I don’t think I will ever know.”
Now, seven years after Davies’ imprisonment, Sonia and her 21-year-old daughter Jess are preparing victim impact statements in case the killer applies for a review of his sentence.
As an offender under 18, he is subject to a tariff review which will look at his minimum term sentence and decide whether it should be reduced in high court.
The Echo has approached the Ministry of Justice for comment.