Woman, 70, jailed for life for killing sister and stealing Rolex watch in north London

A woman has been sentenced to life in prison for killing her sister and stealing a valuable watch at a north London flat, the BBC reported.Nancy Pexton, 70, was found guilty of murdering her sister, film director Jennifer Abbott Dauward, at the victim’s home in Camden last June. She must serve at least 22 years in prison.Abbott, 69, was found dead in her living room days after the attack with injuries consistent with a violent attack. Her mouth was taped shut and a gold Rolex watch she often wore was missing.The court heard Peckston visited her sister on the day of the incident and left the property about an hour later. She was arrested days later and the stolen watch was later recovered from her belongings.Sentencing her, Judge Anuja Dhir KC said the nature of the attack showed clear intent.“Given the ferocity of the attack, I have no doubt that you intended to kill your sister,” she said.The judge said Peckston’s behavior after the killing reflected a lack of remorse.She said: “Your actions following the killing demonstrated not only a lack of remorse but a deliberate and callous approach to what you had done.”She also called the act of duct tape covering the victim’s mouth degrading.“It was an intentionally demeaning act,” she said. “It was callous, degrading and cruel.”The court heard the victim suffered multiple knife and stab wounds, as well as defensive injuries.Concerns were raised when Abbott was found unresponsive when a neighbor noticed an unusual quietness in the apartment and forced entry. Her pet dog was trapped inside.Abbott’s son described the killing as a “horrible” act in a statement and said losing his mother had been an “incredible nightmare.”“She’s my hero and my role model,” he said. “She is my whole world.”Prosecutor’s representatives described the case as a deeply distressing incident, while detectives said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the crime.Detective Inspector Barry Hart said: “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this murder and ensures that Peckston will spend a considerable period of time behind bars.”Police said Peckston initially denied involvement, but evidence gathered during the investigation led to her conviction.