Nasen Saadi has been convicted of murdering 34-year-old Amie Gray and attempting to fatally stab Leanne Miles in the same attack.
He attacked both women on Durley Chine Beach as they chatted by a bonfire late in the evening.
After his arrest, the criminology student tried to dodge detectives’ questions.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of 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.
“The first they were aware of him was when he launched his attack as they sat on the sand in the moonlight. They were taken completely by surprise, yet Amie shouted for him to leave Leanne alone. Her selfless bravery that night saved Leanne’s life, but tragically cost her own.
“The investigation by Dorset Police started with the first emergency call from the beach by Leanne. She was able to give details that proved vital in establishing the description and direction of travel of the attacker. This led to a large scale search for CCTV involving BCP Council, local residents and crucially local business owners and hoteliers who willingly assisted in the enquiries. The community united to help track down the killer.
“The investigation team worked tirelessly for many weeks and months to gather all the available evidence seeking to bring the attacker to justice for Amie, Leanne and their families who have been extremely supportive of the investigation throughout. I would like to thank them for the way they have bravely endured the court proceedings each in their own way.
“I hope that this outcome provides some degree of comfort that allows them to move forward. I know it has been hard to do whilst waiting for the outcome of the trial.
“My thanks go to the Crown Prosecution Service and the prosecution team for presenting the evidence gathered by the investigation team in the best way possible. An investigation of this scale is truly a team effort from beginning to end.
“We fully understand that this senseless murder had a considerable impact on the whole community in the Bournemouth area. We will continue to do all we can to work with partners and tackle knife crime and violence against women and girls in the town and I hope this case demonstrates that we will do everything in our power to ensure offenders are identified and held to account.”
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.
“Though both victims were chosen at random, Nasen Saadi’s unfathomable desire to carry out a murder was backed up by extensive planning – which included going to great lengths to avoid getting caught.
“Now he has been convicted and faces life behind bars, I hope he will be forgotten.
“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.
“Our thoughts today are with all those who loved and cherished her, as well as with Leanne Miles, whose ongoing support has helped us deliver justice. We hope she and everyone affected by this tragedy can find some solace in today’s verdict.”
