Nancy Pexton Sentenced to Life for Murdering Sister Over Rolex Watch

Nancy Pexton, 70, has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering her sister, film director Jennifer Abbott Dauward, at the victim’s home in Camden, north London, in June last year. She must serve a minimum of 22 years.

Abbott, 69, was discovered dead in her living room days after the attack, with injuries consistent with a violent assault. Her mouth had been taped, and a gold Rolex watch she regularly wore was missing.

The court heard that Pexton had visited her sister on the day of the killing and left the property about an hour later. She was arrested several days later, with the stolen watch later recovered from her belongings.

Sentencing her, Judge Anuja Dhir KC said the nature of the attack showed clear intent. “I am sure you intended to kill your sister, given the ferocity of the attack,” she said.

The judge said Pexton’s actions after the killing 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,” she said. She also described the act of taping the victim’s mouth as degrading. “This was a deliberate act of degradation,” she said. “It was callous, demeaning and cruel.”

The court heard the victim suffered multiple stab and slash wounds, along with a defensive injury. Concern was raised when a neighbour noticed unusual silence from the flat and forced entry, where Abbott was found unresponsive. Her pet dog had been left trapped inside.

In a statement, Abbott’s son described the killing as a “monstrous” act and said losing his mother had been an “unbelievable nightmare”. “She was my hero and my role model,” he said. “She was my whole world.”

Prosecutor representatives described the case as a deeply distressing incident, while detectives said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the crime. Detective Inspector Barry Hart said: “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 said Pexton had initially denied involvement, but evidence gathered during the investigation led to her conviction.