A criminology student has been sentenced to 39 years in prison after he stabbed a personal trainer to death on a beach in Bournemouth.
Nasen Saadi, 21, attacked 34-year-old Amie Gray and her friend Leanne Miles on the night of May 24 last year, leaving a tragic trail of violence and fear.
The two women had been enjoying a quiet conversation on Durley Chine beach when Saadi, armed with a knife, approached them just after 11:30 p.m.
Without warning, he attacked Leanne, stabbing her more than a dozen times. In a brave act of heroism, Amie screamed at Saadi to stop and managed to distract him, giving Leanne a chance to escape.
But Amie wasn’t so lucky. She was stabbed 10 times and died from her injuries shortly after the attack.
What made this crime even more disturbing was Saadi’s premeditation. In the weeks before the attack, he had conducted extensive research about how to commit murder and get away with it.
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His internet search history revealed he had been researching the geography of Bournemouth beach, what terrain was easier to run on, and even which hotels in the area had CCTV.
He had been collecting knives and even asked his criminology professors about how one might avoid getting caught after committing a crime.
Despite being randomly selected as victims, Amie and Leanne were part of a calculated plan carried out by Saadi, who was determined to act on his twisted obsession with violence.
In addition to being convicted of murder, Saadi was also sentenced for failing to provide police with his mobile phone pin code, further obstructing the investigation.
Benjamin May, a Senior Crown Prosecutor, expressed his deep sympathy for Amie’s family. “Amie Gray’s bravery and final act to protect her friend will forever be remembered,” May said.
“Her family and loved ones have our deepest condolences.”
