Woman killed sister and snatched Rolex, court told

Woman Killed Sister and Snatched Rolex, Court Told

The Old Bailey heard that Nancy Pexton, 69, is accused of fatally stabbing her older sibling, Jennifer Abbott Dauward—also known as Sarah Steinberg—during an attack at her flat in Mornington Place, Camden, north London. The murder occurred on 10 June, and Pexton allegedly took her sister’s diamond-encrusted gold Rolex watch as part of the crime.

Three days after the incident, a neighbor grew worried when they couldn’t hear Abbott’s corgi barking and forced open the door. Inside, they discovered the victim’s body on the living room floor, showing a neck wound and gaffer tape covering her mouth. The Rolex was missing, a detail jurors were told could be significant given how deeply Abbott cherished the timepiece, which she rarely removed.

“There is no evidence that Abbott was alive after Pexton visited her on that day,” said prosecutor Bill Boyce KC.

On the afternoon of 10 June, the sisters had spoken by phone at 11:36 BST. Pexton arrived at her sister’s flat by bus at 12:45 BST and stayed for an hour. According to Boyce, she then called her GP, claiming to have taken an overdose, before being transported to the hospital. She was later arrested on 18 June.

During the attack, Pexton was reportedly covered in her sister’s blood, from head to toe, as described by the prosecution. While in the hospital, she allegedly instructed one of her daughters to dispose of the bloodstained clothes. Pexton claimed the blood came from hugging her sister, who was said to have suffered a nosebleed at the time.

“She could not recall what had transpired during the prior 90 minutes, the exact period we believe she was in her sister’s flat and committed the murder,” Boyce added.

Abbott’s body was found on 13 June, three days after the alleged killing. Her niece, Mai Pexton, had arrived at the property and knocked, shouting for her “auntie.” A neighbor then broke down the door, noting the unusual silence from Abbott’s corgi, which had been locked in the bathroom. Firefighters later freed the dog after the body was discovered.

A post-mortem revealed multiple stab and slash wounds, along with a single defensive wound on the victim’s right hand. Boyce emphasized that the watch, a Cartier bracelet, and the Rolex were items of profound sentimental value to Abbott. The Rolex was later found in Pexton’s bag during a police search, and the defendant reportedly stated it belonged to her sister, who had asked her to keep it safe.

Pexton, who has no fixed address, denies the murder charge. The trial continues as the court weighs the evidence and testimony surrounding the incident.