Couple Convicted of Torturing and Killing Nanny in Chilling Wandsworth Murder
A French couple living in south-west London have been found guilty of murdering their vulnerable young nanny after months of brutal abuse and terrifying psychological torment. Sabrina Kouider, 35, and Ouissem Medouni, 40, were convicted today at the Old Bailey over the death of 21-year-old Sophie Lionnet, who cared for their two children in their Wandsworth home.
Horrific Abuse Behind Closed Doors
Sophie Lionnet, originally from Troyes, France, was employed by the couple for 18 months. During this time, she was subjected to relentless mistreatment, threats, and physical abuse that left her frail, scared, and trapped inside the house.
The couple ran a twisted 12-day “interrogation” campaign, trying to coerce Sophie into confessing to bizarre and false accusations. Kouider recorded some sessions, playing “hard cop” while Medouni acted the “soft cop” – all part of a plan to plant fake evidence against their victim.
Gruesome Discovery and Failed Cover-Up
On 20 September 2017, firefighters were called by a concerned neighbour to the Wandsworth house after noticing thick smoke. They found Medouni attempting to burn Sophie’s body with caustic acid on the garden patio. He even scattered cooked chicken to disguise the remains.
When confronted, Medouni claimed he was “cooking a sheep,” but police were instantly suspicious. Sophie’s emaciated, terrified image appeared in chilling video footage just two days earlier, showing the shocking depths of her suffering.
Web of Lies and Blame
Both Kouider and Medouni tried to shift the blame onto each other during the trial, spinning wild tales of conspiracy involving Kouider’s ex-partner Mark Walton, a former member of Boyzone. They accused Sophie of plotting against them and concocted outrageous claims including drug abuse and sexual abuse, none backed by evidence.
Sophie’s handwritten notes revealed pleas for help, stating “I want to leave” and “I am scared.” Despite accusations from Kouider, Sophie continued to care for the children, forced into silence by intimidation.
Investigator’s Verdict
Detective Inspector Domenica Catino of the Met’s Homicide Command said: “This verdict brings some justice for Sophie, but it will never bring her back. The images show a scared, broken young woman who likely knew her fate.”
“The couple’s cruelty knew no bounds—they tortured Sophie, then tried to erase her existence by burning her body. Kouider even painted herself as the victim during the trial while making unfounded accusations against Sophie and her family.”
“Their callous actions robbed Sophie and her family of a future together. The physical and emotional torment was horrific and relentless. I commend Sophie’s family for their strength, and the investigators who fought to tell her story.”
Kouider and Medouni, both French nationals, had already pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice by preventing a lawful burial. Sentencing will follow after their brutal conviction for murder.
