Sister Accused of Murder Felt 'Unappreciated' by Victim, Court Hears
Nancy Pexton, a 70-year-old woman, is accused of murdering her film director sister, Jennifer Abbott, by slashing her throat and stealing her diamond-encrusted Rolex watch, with the Old Bailey hearing that she felt 'unappreciated' by the victim. The alleged attack occurred on June 10 last year at Ms Abbott's flat in Camden, north London, where she was found dead three days later by a neighbour who broke down the door.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Ms Abbott, aged 69, was discovered on the floor of her living room, wearing only her knickers and with gaffer tape covering her mouth. She had suffered ten knife wounds, including four to the back of her neck inflicted in rapid succession and a fatal slash to her neck. Forensic pathologist Dr Ashley Fegan-Earl stated that moderate to severe force was used, confirming the death resulted from sharp force trauma.
The victim's Rolex watch, a gift from her son Brad Carlson, was missing at the scene but later recovered from Pexton's belongings after she was admitted to hospital. Pexton denies murder, claiming Ms Abbott gave her the watch for safekeeping and that she only visited to collect pills for depression.
Family Resentment and Testimony
Brad Carlson, giving evidence via video-link, described a 'bubbling' resentment between his mother and aunt. He recounted receiving messages from Pexton expressing 'anger and resentment and furiousness' towards Ms Abbott, stemming from feelings of disrespect and lack of gratitude. Mr Carlson expressed empathy for Pexton but noted he had urged his mother to be more gentle in her words to ease tensions.
Further testimony revealed that Ms Abbott feared for her safety, telling her nephew Feras Abukhait that Pexton was 'capable of anything' and had allegedly attempted to murder two boyfriends and hired people to assault someone named David. She even considered applying for a restraining order, writing a note about it on scrap paper.
Events Leading to the Death
On the day of the murder, Pexton called her sister nine times, with the final call lasting over 15 minutes. Prosecutor Bill Boyce KC argued it was 'no coincidence' Ms Abbott was not seen after walking her corgi dog that morning. Pexton arrived at the flat with KFC and diet coke, leaving about an hour later, then called her GP claiming to feel suicidal and reporting a blackout for the previous 90 minutes.
Police found Ms Abbott's blood on Pexton's clothing, which a forensic scientist linked to the stabbing rather than Pexton's claim of hugging her sister during a nosebleed. Pexton, who was homeless at the time, suggested a local drug dealer might be responsible, but prosecutors allege she was the last person to see Ms Abbott alive.
Background and Trial Proceedings
Ms Abbott, known for directing the documentary 'War Of The Gods', had health issues including an addiction to painkillers like oxycontin, prescribed by her private GP Dr Ericson Laudato to manage dependency acquired in America. Her flat was described as squalid, with her dog soiling the carpet, prompting a request for vinyl flooring.
Pexton was arrested on June 18 after initially being treated as a witness. She appeared via video link at the Old Bailey, wearing a grey top, and denies murder. The trial continues, with the prosecution asserting that the traumatic nature of the death leaves no doubt it was murder, and Pexton is responsible.
