Woman killed sister and snatched Rolex, court told

Woman Accused of Killing Sister and Taking Rolex, Court Informed

The Old Bailey has been presented with the tragic case of Nancy Pexton, 69, who is alleged to have stabbed her film director sister, Jennifer Abbott Dauward—known as Sarah Steinberg—on 10 June at her flat in Mornington Place, Camden, north London. The attack reportedly left Abbott with a fatal neck wound and her mouth taped with gaffer tape. Pexton is said to have removed the victim’s diamond-encrusted gold Rolex watch, a piece of jewelry Abbott was “greatly attached to” and rarely took off.

Discovery and Timeline

Three days after the incident, a neighbor broke into Abbott’s flat upon noticing the absence of her corgi’s barking. The victim’s body was found on 13 June, lying on the living room floor. Emergency services were called after the neighbor discovered the scene. Firefighters later freed Abbott’s corgi, which had been locked in the bathroom. The court was told the dog’s unusual silence raised concerns.

Prosecutor Bill Boyce KC outlined the events: a phone call between the sisters at 11:36 BST, followed by Pexton arriving at her sister’s flat by bus at 12:45 BST and staying for an hour. The prosecution claims Pexton left the flat with no signs of life. She later called her GP, stating she had taken an overdose. Pexton was hospitalized and arrested on 18 June.

Medical and Testimony Details

“She said she could not remember what had happened in the previous 90 minutes, which was the period we say she was undoubtedly in her sister’s flat, the period we say she murdered her sister,” Boyce stated.

A post-mortem examination revealed Abbott had multiple stab and slash injuries, along with a single defensive wound on her right hand. The prosecution emphasized the central question: whether Pexton, who has two adult daughters, was responsible for the murder. Pexton, with no fixed address, denies the charge. The trial continues.