Woman accused of murdering sister and taking Rolex appears in court

A woman accused of murdering her movie director sister by stabbing her before stealing her diamond encrusted Rolex has appeared in court.

Nancy Pexton, 69, is said to have knifed Jennifer Abbott, also 69, in the neck on June 10 this year at the victim's home in Camden, north London.

She locked the victim's Corgi dog in the bathroom where it survived without food for three days, the Old Bailey in London was today told.

Ms Abbott, a film director and author also known as Sarah Steinberg, was found dead at her flat in Mornington Place, near Mornington Crescent station, on June 13.

Her niece and neighbours found her body after breaking down her door, having not heard from her for several days.

Her beloved Corgi dog named Prince was discovered in the bathroom. 

During her career, she had spent time living in Los Angeles as a film producer, also directing movies and writing novels.

Pexton, from Marylebone in central London and who is nine months younger than her sister, denies murder.

She appeared at the Old Bailey today via video link from HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey, wearing a grey jumper and sat with her head in her hands.

Judge Anuja Dhir KC extended the time she can be kept in custody from December 19 until next April 14. Pexton's trial has been fixed for April 7.

Sasha Wass KC, defending Pexton, said: 'There is no dispute that she was at the house. There is no dispute that she was a regular visitor to her sister's flat. But she disputes that she was responsible for her sister's death.'

Prosecutor Ben Holt said: 'The deceased and the defendant were sisters. On 13 June shortly after quarter to six police were called to an address in Mornington Place.

'A report was made by the deceased's niece who attended the property out of concern for her aunt's wellbeing and found the door locked secure and no response to knocking.

'A neighbour assisted her by gaining entry forcing door and the deceased was found laying on the living room floor covered by a blanket.

'The blanket was moved and there was signs of blood and decomposition.

'There was a smear of blood around the body and black adhesive tape around the mouth. A roll of duct tape with blood on the outer surface was found in the kitchen.

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Director, 69, murdered in her Camden flat was stabbed by her sister, court hears

'The evidence suggested the tape was applied after the fatal injuries.

'The knife block in the kitchen had one knife missing and blood smears were found on the kitchen worktops.

'Ambulance services attended and life was pronounced extinct at 6.06pm.'

He told how Ms Abbott's niece reported the victim would 'routinely wear a valuable Rolex watch and Cartier bracelet which were worn habitually and not removed'.

Mr Holt added: 'The Rolex was not found on the deceased's body.'

He described the cause of death as sharp trauma to the neck behind the collarbone, while there were eight wounds around the neck and upper back.

The last sighting of Ms Abbott was on June 10 at 7.30am, seen returning to her home after taking her dog for a walk, he told the court. 

Pexton was arrested at a hospital on June 18 and the Rolex watch was allegedly found in her bag.

A pre-trial hearing is due to take place on March 23.