A criminology student who murdered one woman and attempted to kill another on a beach in Bournemouth has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 39 years.
Nasen Saadi, 20, from Croydon, fatally stabbed 34-year-old personal trainer Amie Gray ten times as she sat beside a fire on Durley Chine Beach in Dorset on the evening of 24 May. Her friend, Leanne Miles, who was sitting next to her, suffered 20 knife injuries but miraculously survived the brutal attack, despite sustaining life-threatening wounds.
During the trial at Winchester Crown Court, jurors were told how Saadi was studying criminology at Greenwich University in London. He had an obsessive interest in true crime, unsolved cases, and horror films. The court heard that Saadi had asked his lecturers disturbing questions about self-defence for murder and how long DNA evidence remains at a crime scene. One lecturer even questioned him directly, asking, “You’re not planning a murder, are you?”
On the night of 24 May, Saadi travelled to Bournemouth. CCTV footage presented by the prosecution showed him walking along the beach promenade before the attack. At around 11:39 pm, chilling audio from a nearby CCTV camera captured the sounds of screaming and a male voice. The court was also played a harrowing 999 call made by Ms Miles, who was left fighting for her life. In the recording, she could be heard sobbing in agony: “I have been stabbed loads of times. Oh my God, I am getting dizzy, please hurry up, please hurry up. I am bleeding everywhere, I have been stabbed loads of times.”
The attack was described in court as “frenzied and unprovoked.” Ms Gray had no chance to defend herself as Saadi inflicted multiple deep wounds. Ms Miles, despite suffering 20 stab injuries, managed to call for help and was later rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Saadi was arrested but denied responsibility. He admitted being in Bournemouth on the night of the attack but claimed he may have “blacked out” and had no memory of the stabbings. In a police interview played in court, he stated: “I am not responsible and I have no reason to attack someone for no reason.” However, forensic evidence and witness testimonies overwhelmingly pointed to his guilt. Blood matching both victims was found on his clothing, and a knife recovered nearby was linked to the attack.
Throughout the trial, Saadi remained emotionless. He chose not to give evidence in his defence and was ultimately convicted by the jury. In addition to the murder and attempted murder charges, he also pleaded guilty to failing to provide police with the passcode to his mobile phone, further obstructing the investigation.
The judge, in delivering the life sentence, described Saadi’s actions as “calculated and cold-blooded,” stating that he had shown no remorse for the devastation he had caused. Saadi will now serve a minimum of 39 years before he can be considered for parole, meaning he will likely spend the majority of his life behind bars.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, with tributes pouring in for Ms Gray, a beloved personal trainer known for her kindness and dedication to fitness. Ms Miles continues her long journey to recovery, describing herself as “lucky to be alive.”
