Dad took daughter to beach for fish & chips before ‘deliberately killing them both after split with First Dates star ex’
A DAD took his daughter to the beach for fish and chips before deliberately killing them both after splitting with his First Dates star ex, an inquest heard.
Ashley Henry, 35, smashed head-on into a lorry as he returned from the seaside break with two-year-old Oria.
The pair were killed in the horror in June last year after the Nissan Qashqai they were travelling in flipped on its roof.
An inquest was told how little Oria may have been killed before the crash - possibly through suffocation.
Ashley had split with the youngster's mum Rachael Leader, who appeared on Channel 4’s dating show spin-off First Dates Hotel in 2020, just two weeks before the tragedy.
Following his death, police found a chilling note entitled "Bye" on his laptop that outlined his plans.
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Rachael sobbed today as the details were read out to Lincolnshire Coroner's Court.
Ashley told how he was “worried about being replaced in Oria’s life” as Rachael had moved on with a new boyfriend.
He also explained how Oria was the "best thing to happen to me" but feared he would have "nothing to live for" if she was taken away.
Ashley added: "I must apologise. It was not an accident. It was done purposely by myself.
“I do not know if there were any other casualties.”
Ashley had booked into the South View Caravan Park in Skegness, Lancashire, in June last year for Father's Day with Oria.
His note told how the pair spent their last day on the beach together tucking into fish and chips and ice cream.
He was returning the toddler back to her mother when he crashed into the oncoming lorry - causing it to jackknife.
To my darling daughter, Oria. I love you so much. I’m so sorry your precious life was taken from you.
Rachael Leader
Ashley died instantly from multiple serious traumatic injuries and was trapped in the vehicle.
The inquest heard Oria was found strapped into her car seat in the front passenger seat.
Lorry driver David Ewington told the hearing the Nissan "came out of nowhere across the road" before hitting him.
He at first believed the car must have had a puncture and was unable to avoid the pair as they hurtled head-on towards him.
The crash in Anwick, Lincolnshire, was initially treated as an accidental collision but police launched a murder investigation two days later.
Rachael paid tribute to her "darling girl" in a tribute issued by Lincolnshire Police.
She said: "To my darling daughter, Oria. I love you so much. I’m so sorry your precious life was taken from you.
“You gave me so much light sweetheart, so much love and so much happiness. I will cherish each and every moment we had together.
“You had the most beautiful smile and gorgeous curly hair. You touched the hearts of many Oria and I’m so incredibly proud to be your mummy.
"I miss you so much. Whilst the pain of losing you is indescribable, I will turn it into purpose, for you and for us.
“You chose me for a reason and will continue to shine your light through me. We will shine together. My darling girl, my baby, God will keep you safe until we meet again in heaven.
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“I love you Oria, mummy xxx”.
The inquest continues.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
