Woman killed sister and snatched Rolex, court told

Court Hears Details of Sister’s Fatal Stabbing and Missing Rolex

Nancy Pexton, 69, faces murder charges after allegedly attacking her older sibling, Jennifer Abbott Dauward—also known as Sarah Steinberg—at her London flat. The incident occurred on 10 June, and the Old Bailey heard that Pexton stabbed her sister in the neck before taking her diamond-encrusted gold Rolex watch. The body was discovered three days later by a neighbor who became worried after not hearing the corgi barking. Abbott’s remains were found on the living room floor, with a neck wound and gaffer tape over her mouth, according to the court.

The victim, who was deeply attached to her Rolex, was not wearing it when her body was found. Prosecution counsel Bill Boyce KC emphasized that there was no indication Abbott was alive after Pexton left her flat. The sisters had spoken on the phone at 11:36 BST, and Pexton arrived at her sister’s residence by bus at 12:45 BST, staying for an hour before departing. During the alleged attack, Pexton called her general practitioner, claiming she had taken an overdose, Boyce stated. She was hospitalized via ambulance and later arrested on 18 June.

Boyce highlighted that Pexton was covered in her sister’s blood “from top to bottom” following the incident. While in the hospital, she reportedly asked one of her daughters to handle her clothing, either washing it or discarding it. Pexton claimed the blood was from hugging her sister during a nosebleed, but the prosecutor argued that the lack of memory for the preceding 90 minutes—when she was supposedly at the flat—suggested guilt. The victim’s niece, Mai Pexton, arrived at the property on the afternoon of 13 June, shouting for her “auntie” before a neighbor broke down the door.

“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 told the court.

The neighbor, concerned about the unusual silence from Abbott’s corgi, called emergency services after finding her body. The dog had been locked in the bathroom and was eventually rescued by firefighters. Post-mortem reports revealed multiple stab and slash wounds, along with a single defensive injury on the right hand. Boyce noted that Abbott typically wore a Cartier bracelet and her Rolex watch, both of significant sentimental value. The watch was later recovered from Pexton’s bag, with the defendant stating it was her sister’s and that she had been asked to safeguard it.

Pexton, who has no fixed address, denies the murder charge. The trial continues as the court weighs the evidence of her actions and intent. Updates on the case can be followed via BBC Radio London, BBC London’s social media platforms, and by submitting story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.