Hi and welcome to this Video Production News Court Report
On Wednesday 18 December 2024 following a trial at Winchester Crown Court Nasen Saadi, criminology student, aged 20 and of Croydon in London, was convicted of the murder of Amie Gray and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said:
“Amie and Leanne were enjoying an early summer evening at the beach in May and were totally unaware of the presence of the defendant, a complete stranger to them. He had selected them as his target that night after several weeks of planning to come to Bournemouth to kill someone.”
Dorset Police’s MCIT had compiled evidence following the fatal violent stabbing of Amie Gray and Leanne Miles on Durley Chine Beach on the evening of Friday 24th May 2024 which left Amie dead and Leanne very seriously injured with multiple stab wounds.
The jury heard MCIT evidence including tracked the Saadi’s movements both before and after the horrific incident.
The jury heard how Saadi had travelled down to the Bournemouth area on Tuesday 21 May 2024 and stayed for four nights. The nights before the attack he had appeared to be exploring the area near the scene of the murder.
On the evening of Friday 24 May 2024, the MCIT established that he left his hotel at approximately 10.45pm. CCTV captured him walking up and down the seafront investigating the area.
The two victims were sitting on the beach by a fire, he was seen looking towards them. Saadi approached them at approximately 11.40pm and launched his unprovoked brutal attack on both victims. They completely surprise by attacked, He chased and stabbed them repeatedly.
Amie shouted at him to leave Leanne alone, this selfless act saved Leanne’s life, but she was fatally wounded. Saadi fled the scene, running onto the beach, but was soon captured leaving the area on CCTV. A witness also saw him as he walked from the beach to his hotel.
Leanne managed to dial 999 enabling police officers and medical help to arrive promptly. Having sustained multiple stab wounds, Amie was pronounced dead at the scene. Leanne received injuries to her side, back and arms, she was taken to hospital for treatment.
Amie was able to give vital details that established the description and direction of travel of the attacker.
A large-scale search of CCTV involving BCP Council, local residents and business owners and hoteliers willingly assisted in the enquiries.
Saadi was identified after a detailed enquiry that included extensive house-to-house enquiries and an exhaustive trawl of CCTV footage in the area. He was arrested at his home address in Croydon on the evening of Tuesday 28 May 2024.
Benjamin May, a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said:
“This was a senseless attack which shocked the people of Bournemouth – and our deepest condolences remain with Amie Gray’s family.”
Both victims were chosen at random, Saadi’s incomprehensible desire to murder was backed up by a considerable amount of planning including extensive efforts not to get caught.
Now that he has been convicted he faces life behind bars, Benjamin May also stated:
“I hope he will be forgotten”
and
“In contrast, we hope that Amie’s memory will live on; as a much-loved young woman and a pillar of her community, who bravely and selflessly defended her friend in the face of a terrifying attack.”
Saadi will return to court to be sentenced on Friday 28 March 2025.
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
Under UK law, carrying an illegal bladed article, such as the knife used by Nasen Saadi, is a criminal offence under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988, punishable by up to four years in prison.
The murder of Amie Gray and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles are among the gravest offenses under the Offenses Against the Person Act 1861 and common law.
Evidence presented during the trial, including testimony from Saadi’s criminology tutor, revealed that he used his academic insights to plan both the attack and strategies to avoid detection.
This deliberate and calculated behaviour underscores the severity of his actions, which met the legal threshold for murder and carry a mandatory life sentence.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
Konrad Chapman
Science Correspondent
VPN - City-Desk
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