A woman has been jailed for life for killing her sister in a north London flat before taking her precious watch, the BBC reports.Nancy Pexton, 70, was convicted of murdering her sister, film director Jennifer Abbott Doward, at the victim’s home in Camden in June last year.
You must serve at least 22 years.Abbott, 69, was found dead in her living room days after the attack, with injuries consistent with a violent assault. Her mouth was bound with duct tape, and the gold Rolex watch she wore regularly was missing.The court heard that Pexton visited her sister on the day of the murder and left the house about an hour later. She was arrested several days later, and the stolen watch was later recovered from her belongings.While sentencing her, Justice Anuja Dhir KC said the nature of the attack showed clear intent.She said: “I am sure that you intended to kill your sister, given the ferocity of the attack.”The judge said Pexton’s actions after the killing reflected a lack of remorse.“Your actions and behavior after the murder demonstrate not only your lack of remorse, but also a deliberate and callous attitude towards what you did,” she said.
She also described the process of placing the tape on the victim’s mouth as humiliating.“This was a deliberate act of degradation,” she added. “It was cruel, degrading and cruel.”The court heard that the victim suffered multiple stab wounds and slash wounds, as well as a defensive injury.Concern was raised when a neighbor noticed unusual silence from the apartment and forced entry, where Abbott was found unresponsive. Her pet dog was left trapped inside.In a statement, Abbott’s son called the murder a “brutal” act and said losing his mother was an “incredible nightmare.”“She was my hero and role model,” he said. “She was my whole world.”Prosecutors described the case as an extremely traumatic incident, while investigators said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime.Detective Inspector Barry Hart said: “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this murder and ensures Pexton will spend a significant period of time in prison.”Police said Pexton initially denied involvement, but evidence collected during the investigation led to her conviction.
