Nathan Owens, 34, has been jailed for life for the murder of his step-daughter Carla Georgescu, a student at Preston's university. He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Friday and must serve a minimum of 35 years before he can be considered for parole.
Owens was described as 'truly despicable' by detectives. The judge, Mr Justice Jacobs, told him he must prove he is no longer a danger and will remain on licence for the rest of his life.
Attack at University Halls
On February 4, 2026, Owens travelled from the family home in Hartlepool in the dead of night. He made up a story that Carla's mother had left her purse behind when she visited Carla the weekend before. When he arrived at Ribble Hall at 4.30am, Carla let him into the student block. This was the last time she was seen alive.
Inside the bedroom, Owens brutally attacked Carla before staging her room to make it appear she had taken her own life. She was found on February 5, 2026, on what would have been her 20th birthday, suspended from a wardrobe with sexual and defensive injuries and bleeding from a stab wound to her face.
Police and Judge Condemn Actions
Detective Inspector Pete Macdonald, of Lancashire Police's Force Major Investigation Team, said Owens was 'harbouring a perverted infatuation with her, before ultimately killing her'. He added: "He took innocent childhood photos and made them indecent images. Because of this, Carla's mum has not only lost her daughter but has had some of her memories of Carla's childhood, before she met Owens, destroyed too."
Mr Justice Jacobs said: "You have not demonstrated any remorse for what you did. You took victim blaming to its limit by suggesting she had taken her own life. Her mother had to come and give evidence. This demonstrates how despicable you are."
No Remorse and Life Licence
Owens did not tell anyone he had visited Carla in the early hours of February 4. He disposed of her mobile phone, blood stained bedsheets and a sex toy he had taken with him on the return trip through Cumbria. The judge said the attack was preplanned and sadistic, and in planning it Owens was prepared to kill her to ensure he was not identified as the man who had sexually violated her.
Owens displayed no emotion as he left the dock with his hands behind his back. He will not be released from prison without the permission of the Parole Board and will remain on licence and subject to recall for the rest of his life.
