A man who brutally murdered a woman and left another seriously injured in a horrifying attack on Bournemouth’s Durley Chine Beach has been found guilty. Nasen Saadi, 20, from Croydon, was convicted of murder and attempted murder following a trial at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, 18 December 2024. He is due to be sentenced on Friday, 28 March 2025.
The charges stemmed from Saadi’s premeditated attack on the evening of Friday, 24 May 2024, which left Amie Gray dead and Leanne Miles fighting for her life after sustaining multiple stab wounds. The violent and senseless crime shocked the local community and left a lasting scar on those who knew the victims.
A Calculated Attack
The court heard harrowing details of how Saadi meticulously planned his assault. He travelled to Bournemouth on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, and spent four nights in various hotels. During this time, he frequently visited the seafront near the murder scene, appearing to scout the area and plan his movements.
On the evening of the attack, CCTV footage showed Saadi leaving his hotel around 10.45pm and prowling the seafront. By 11.40pm, he approached Amie and Leanne, who were sitting by a fire on the beach. Without warning, he launched his frenzied assault, chasing the women and stabbing them repeatedly.
Amie, aged 34, displayed extraordinary bravery in her final moments, shouting for Saadi to leave Leanne alone. This selfless act saved her friend’s life but tragically cost Amie her own. Leanne, despite her severe injuries, managed to call emergency services, providing crucial details about the attacker.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice
Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) immediately launched an extensive investigation. Detectives conducted house-to-house enquiries, gathered witness statements, and reviewed hours of CCTV footage. Saadi was identified as a suspect and arrested at his home in Croydon on 28 May 2024.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins of MCIT praised the collaborative effort behind the investigation, saying:
“Amie and Leanne were enjoying an early summer evening at the beach, completely unaware of the presence of the defendant. He was a stranger to them, who had chosen them as his targets after weeks of planning.
“The investigation team worked tirelessly to gather evidence and bring the attacker to justice for Amie, Leanne, and their families, who have shown immense courage throughout this ordeal. The support from local residents, businesses, and hoteliers was instrumental in identifying Saadi. This case demonstrates our commitment to tackling knife crime and violence against women and girls.”
Saadi’s refusal to cooperate during the investigation further underscored his callousness. He declined to provide access to his mobile phone, even after a court order, resulting in an additional charge under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). He pleaded guilty to this charge at the start of the trial.
A Community United in Grief
The crime left a deep impact on the Bournemouth community. Detective Inspector Jenkins acknowledged the collective trauma, adding:
“We fully understand that this senseless murder has had a considerable impact. I hope this outcome provides some degree of comfort, allowing the victims’ families and friends to begin healing.”
Benjamin May, Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, highlighted the calculated nature of Saadi’s actions:
“This was a senseless attack that shocked the people of Bournemouth. Though both victims were chosen at random, Saadi’s desire to carry out a murder was backed by extensive planning.
“Now that he has been convicted and faces life behind bars, I hope he will be forgotten. In contrast, Amie’s memory will live on as a much-loved young woman who bravely and selflessly defended her friend. Our thoughts are with all who loved her and with Leanne, whose bravery has been vital in delivering justice.”
A Wife’s Heartfelt Tribute
Amie Gray’s wife, Sian, issued a statement paying tribute to her late partner and expressing gratitude to those who worked to secure justice:
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of Dorset Police, the jury, prosecution team, medics, and first responders. To each and every person who has helped bring Amie the justice she deserves, thank you.
“I particularly want to thank the family liaison officers, Jo and Florence, who have gone above and beyond to support us through such pain and tragedy.
“Amie will never be forgotten. She touched the lives of so many, and the immense support and love shown by everyone reflects just that. Amie’s life has been brutally taken, but now she can rest in peace. Her strength lives on in all of us.”
The Horror Of That Night
Saadi, a student at Greenwich University, approached the two women as they sat by a fire on the beach. Without warning, he launched a frenzied attack, stabbing Amie 10 times and Leanne 20 times.
Leanne managed to call 999 despite her life-threatening injuries. In a distressing recording played to the court, she told the operator, “I have been stabbed loads of times. Oh my God, I am getting dizzy; please hurry up.” Amie was pronounced dead at the scene, while Leanne survived after emergency surgery.
Meticulous Planning and Disturbing Behaviour
The court heard that Saadi spent months preparing for the attack, researching violent crimes, and seeking inspiration from horror films. In the days leading up to the murders, he travelled to Bournemouth, staying in two different hotels. He was seen on CCTV repeatedly visiting the seafront near the crime scene, studying the area.
On the day of the attack, Saadi went to a cinema to watch The Strangers: Chapter 1, a slasher film in which the protagonists are brutally stabbed. The prosecution suggested this film reflected Saadi’s macabre interests and might have inspired his actions.
After the attack, Saadi fled the scene and attempted to blend back into the shadows. He discarded the weapon and the clothes he wore during the attack, which were never recovered.
Chilling Online Presence and Evidence
Analysis of Saadi’s laptop revealed disturbing online activity. Since January 2024, he has conducted searches on notorious killers, including Levi Bellfield and the murder of Milly Dowler and Brianna Ghey and her killers. He frequently visited websites selling knives and searched phrases like “why do criminals get away with crimes in rural areas?”
Saadi’s digital footprint showed he used the Snapchat name “Ninja Killer” and the computer username “NSkills.” Police also recovered items from his bedroom, including five knives, a machete, a balaclava, and latex gloves.
Despite this overwhelming evidence, Saadi denied committing the crimes, claiming he had “blacked out” and could not remember the events.
A Troubling Academic Interest
During the trial, it emerged that Saadi’s criminology studies included questions about self-defence and the persistence of DNA evidence. One of his lecturers had jokingly asked, “You’re not planning a murder, are you?”
Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC told the jury: “This defendant seems to have wanted to know what it would be like to take a life. Perhaps he wanted to make women feel afraid, or he thought it would make him feel powerful and interesting. Perhaps he simply couldn’t bear to see people engaged in happy, normal social interaction and decided to lash out.”
The prosecution revealed that Saadi had shown a disturbing fascination with the publicity surrounding his case, reportedly touching himself in his prison cell after asking a female officer about the media coverage. This behaviour, while not presented as evidence in court, painted a grim picture of Saadi’s mindset.
Failures and Lessons
The court heard that in February 2024, Saadi had been accused of stalking, prompting the Metropolitan Police to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over its handling of the case.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team praised the community’s efforts in assisting the investigation, saying:
“Amie and Leanne were enjoying a summer evening, unaware of the danger that lurked. Saadi was a complete stranger to them, but he had already selected them as his targets.
“Our investigation involved extensive house-to-house enquiries and CCTV analysis. The local community, residents, and business owners came together to help track down the killer. I hope today’s verdict brings some comfort to Amie’s family and to Leanne as they continue to rebuild their lives.”
Sentencing Awaited
Mrs. Justice Cutts adjourned sentencing to allow for psychiatric evaluations of Saadi but made it clear he would receive a life sentence. Addressing the defendant, she said:
“You have been convicted of the most serious of crimes. There is only one sentence that can follow, and that is imprisonment for life. The minimum term will be considerable.”
As Saadi awaits sentencing, the case leaves a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by individuals driven by violent obsessions. For the families and friends of Amie and Leanne, the verdict provides some measure of justice, though the scars of that tragic night will remain forever.
Looking Ahead
As the Bournemouth community continues to process the tragedy, the conviction of Nasen Saadi provides a measure of justice for the lives shattered on that fateful night. With his sentencing in March 2025 expected to reflect the severity of his crimes, Amie Gray’s legacy as a courageous and selfless individual will undoubtedly endure.
The case stands as a stark reminder of the importance of community solidarity and the tireless efforts of law enforcement in the face of senseless violence.
