A film director discovered dead in her flat was stabbed eight times by her sister who was later arrested with her diamond Rolex watch, a court heard today.
Jennifer Abbott, 69, was found by her niece Mai Pexton in her flat in Mornington Place on June 13 when she became worried about her, the Old Bailey was told.
Ms Pexton and neighbours discovered Ms Abbott’s body, partially covered with a sheet and with tape over her mouth, after breaking down her door.
Her beloved Corgi, named Prince, survived after being left locked in the bathroom for three days before the director’s body was found.
Today Ms Abbott’s sister Nancy Pexton appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Bronzefield charged with her murder.
Wearing a grey tracksuit with curly long brown hair, Pexton only spoke to confirm her name and date of birth.
It was heard the 69-year-old was arrested at a hospital days after Ms Abbott was found dead with her sister’s Rolex in her property bag.
Prosecutor Ben Hault said Ms Abbott was found dead on her living room floor, covered by a blanket.
There were also ‘signs of decomposition and blood’ when the blanket was moved.
‘There was a smear of blood around the body and black adhesive tape around the mouth,’ he said.
He added that the tape appeared to have been applied following the fatal injuries.
Blood was found on the outer roll of the duct tape in the kitchen, while a knife was missing from a block, and smears of blood were found on the kitchen worktops.
Ms Abbott sustained eight wounds to the neck and upper back, including a slash wound to the neck and a sharp trauma behind the collarbone reaching to the lung.
The cause of death was sharp trauma to the neck behind the collar bone.
Ambulance services attended the scene on June 13, where Ms Abbott was pronounced deceased at 6.08pm.
The director was last seen on CCTV on June 10 at around 7.30am walking her corgi.
It was heard that the director would usually wear a valuable Rolex watch and a Cartier bracelet. The Rolex was not found on the victim’s body.
Pexton, of no fixed abode, was arrested on June 18 and later charged with her sister’s murder, with the Rolex having been recovered from a bag, the court was told
A plea and preparation hearing has been set for September 9, with a provisional three week trial date was set for April 7 next year at the Old Bailey.
Judge Judy Khan KC remanded the defendant into custody.