Woman accused of murdering film director sister stole diamond-encrusted Rolex, court hears

A woman accused of killing her film director sister allegedly slashed her in the neck and stole her diamond-encrusted Rolex watch, a court has heard.

Nancy Pexton, 69, is accused of murdering Jennifer Abbott at her flat in Camden, north London, on 10 June last year.

At the opening of the case at the Old Bailey on Thursday, prosecutor Bill Boyce KC said there was no evidence that the director was alive after Pexton, of no fixed address, visited.

The court heard that three days later, a neighbour had forced open Ms Abbott's door after becoming concerned he could not hear her corgi dog barking.

He called emergency services after discovering Ms Abbott's partially naked and decomposing body on the floor, where she had a large, gaping "slash-type" wound across her neck and gaffer tape across her mouth.

Mr Boyce told the court that Ms Abbott was without her Rolex watch, which she was "greatly attached to", and the dog had been locked in the bathroom and was freed by firefighters.

The watch was later discovered when police searched Pexton's bag, Mr Boyce said. The defendant is said to have responded: "Oh yes, that's my sister's. She asked me to look after it."

A post-mortem examination found Ms Abbott had sustained several stab and slash wounds and a single defensive wound to the right hand.

Pexton, who was nine months younger than the victim and turns 70 on Friday, was effectively homeless and had been staying near Baker Street.

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Mr Boyce said after the alleged incident, Pexton called her GP and said she had taken an overdose. She was taken to hospital by ambulance, where she stayed before her arrest on 18 June.

Pexton denies murder. The trial continues.

(c) Sky News 2026: Woman accused of murdering film director sister stole diamond-encrusted Rolex, court hears