A 70-year-old woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her sister at a flat in north London, followed by the theft of a valuable watch, according to the BBC. Nancy Pexton was found guilty of killing her sibling, film director Jennifer Abbott Dauward, at the victim's residence in Camden in June of the previous year. She will serve a minimum of 22 years behind bars.
Details of the Crime
Jennifer Abbott, aged 69, was discovered deceased in her living room several days after the attack. The injuries she sustained were consistent with a violent assault. Her mouth had been taped shut, and a gold Rolex watch, which she regularly wore, was missing from the scene.
The court heard that Pexton had visited her sister on the day of the killing and departed from the property approximately one hour later. She was arrested a few days afterward, and the stolen watch was later recovered from her belongings.
Judge's Remarks During Sentencing
While delivering the sentence, Judge Anuja Dhir KC stated that the nature of the assault demonstrated clear intent. "I am sure you intended to kill your sister, given the ferocity of the attack," the judge declared. She further noted that Pexton's actions following the murder reflected a lack of remorse. "Your actions and conduct after the killing demonstrate not only your absence of remorse but also a deliberate and callous attitude towards what you had done," the judge added.
The judge also described the act of taping the victim's mouth as degrading. "This was a deliberate act of degradation. It was callous, demeaning and cruel," she said.
Victim's Injuries and Discovery
The court was informed that the victim had suffered multiple stab and slash wounds, along with a defensive injury. Concerns arose when a neighbor noticed an unusual silence from the flat and forced entry, where Abbott was found unresponsive. Her pet dog had been left trapped inside the property.
Family's Reaction
In a statement, Abbott's son described the killing as a "monstrous" act and expressed that losing his mother had been an "unbelievable nightmare." He said, "She was my hero and my role model. She was my whole world."
Prosecution and Police Statements
Prosecutor representatives described the case as a deeply distressing incident, while detectives emphasized that the sentence reflected the seriousness of the crime. Detective Inspector Barry Hart stated: "The sentence handed down today reflects the gravity of this murder and ensures that Pexton will spend a substantial period of time in prison."
Police confirmed that Pexton had initially denied involvement, but evidence gathered during the investigation led to her conviction.
