20 year old Nasen Saadi fatally stabbed personal trainer, 34 year old Amie Gray, 10 times as she sat beside a fire on Durley Chine Beach in Dorset on the evening of May the 24th last year.
Her friend Leanne Miles, who was sitting next to her on the beach, suffered 20 knife injuries but survived the attack.
Saadi was found guilty after a trial at Winchester Crown Court, which heard how Saadi, who was studying criminology at Greenwich University in London, was asked by one of his lecturers: “You’re not planning a murder, are you?”
He had asked teachers questions about self-defence for murder and how long DNA stays behind.
Saadi told detectives he had an interest in true crime, unsolved cases and horror movies.
Dorset Police detective inspector Mark Jenkins:
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “Our investigation team has been supported by colleagues from across Dorset Police as we worked tirelessly to secure justice for the family of Amie and for Leanne.
“The initial response to this tragic incident involved more than a hundred officers as well as experts from across the Force as we poured everything into catching this brutal killer.
“I am also grateful for the support of the local community, and particularly businesses in the surrounding area, who provided vital information, access to CCTV and other assistance that helped us piece together the movements of the offender around the time of the offence, and ultimately led to us being able to identify him and bring him to justice.
“Our dedicated team of investigators then worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to build the best possible case at trial, which resulted in compelling evidence being presented to the jury.
“We were able to show how carefully the defendant planned his attack, intending to kill, choosing Bournemouth – somewhere he had never been before – as the location seemingly purely because it had a sandy beach and how he travelled down several days before with the intention of committing this horrific act.
“It appears that he targeted Amie and Leanne, who he had never met and were simply enjoying a peaceful evening on the beach, just because he saw an opportunity to surprise and overpower them.
“I want to again thank Amie’s family and Leanne for the support they have provided throughout the investigation and court process and the dignified way they have conducted themselves during this extremely difficult period for them all.”
This was the moment Saadi was arrested at his aunt’s house in Purley.
Benjamin May, a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “Amie Gray lost her life in the most tragic way, and our deepest condolences remain with her family.
“Amie’s courageous final act to protect her friend truly defines who she was, and her life will forever be remembered for the love and protection she gave to her loved ones.
“Our thoughts continue to remain with her friends and family, as well as with Leanne Miles, whose bravery through this ordeal helped us to deliver justice.
“Saadi’s perverse fascination with murder and violence morphed into vile, real-world consequences, for which he has faced justice.
“Women should be free to enjoy their lives without fear of violence – the Crown Prosecution Service is unwavering in our commitment to see perpetrators of male violence against women and girls brought to justice.”
