Sister jailed for murdering film director and stealing her Rolex

Nancy Pexton has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 22 years, for the murder of her sister, Jennifer Abbott Dauward, a film director. The attack took place at Abbott’s home in Mornington Place, Camden, north London, on 10 June last year. Following the stabbing, Pexton also stole a valuable diamond-encrusted gold Rolex watch belonging to her sister.

Abbott, 69, was discovered deceased on the floor of her living room on 13 June by a concerned neighbour who broke down the door after hearing nothing and noticing the absence of her dog’s usual barking. The victim had gaffer tape covering her mouth, described by the judge as a “deliberate act of degradation” that was “callous, demeaning and cruel.” The post-mortem revealed numerous stab and slash wounds, along with a defensive injury to Abbott’s right hand. The Rolex watch, a gift from Abbott’s son which she never took off, was missing when her body was found but later recovered from Pexton’s possession.

Court proceedings revealed further details of the day of the attack. Abbott was last seen on a doorbell camera returning from walking her corgi, Prince, around 07:30 BST. Pexton made a phone call to her sister at 11:36, then traveled by bus to the flat just after noon, staying for about an hour before leaving. Afterward, Pexton contacted her GP, reporting an overdose, and was admitted to hospital before her arrest a week later. Neighbour’s intervention also led to firefighters rescuing the trapped corgi from the kitchen.

During sentencing, Judge Anuja Dhir KC emphasized the “ferocity” of the assault as evidence of Pexton’s intention to kill. The judge condemned Pexton’s behavior after the murder, highlighting her “absence of remorse” and “deliberate and callous attitude.” The judge also noted Pexton’s jealousy over her sister’s financial status as a motive for taking the watch. Abbott’s son, Brad Carlson, described the killing as a “monstrous” and “heinous” act, recalling the close bond they shared and his mother’s sacrifices. He referred to Abbott as his “hero” and “role model,” mourning the devastating loss of someone who had dedicated herself to providing for him.

Following the conviction, Devi Kharran from the Crown Prosecution Service called Abbott’s death an “unimaginable tragedy,” condemning the attack as “brutal and callous.” Detective Inspector Barry Hart noted that despite Pexton’s initial denial, the evidence told a different story and that the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime, ensuring she will remain in prison for a considerable length of time

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