A 20-year-old criminology student, Nasen Saadi, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with the murder of 34-year-old Amie Gray and the attempted murder of her friend, Leanne Miles, on Bournemouth’s Durley Chine Beach on May 24, 2024.
The court heard that Saadi, from Croydon, south London, allegedly inflicted 10 knife wounds on Ms. Gray, resulting in her death, and 20 knife injuries on Ms. Miles, who survived the attack.
“Blacked Out” Claim
During a police interview on May 30, Saadi claimed he had no memory of the events, saying he “blacked out” after leaving a Travelodge at 2 PM the day before the attack. He told detectives:
“All I remember is walking a long distance but I do not remember where… the next thing I remember is waking up at home.”
Saadi denied being at the scene of the attack, adding: “I feel like you’ve got very weak evidence… I am innocent. I wasn’t there.”
Interest in True Crime and Horror Movies
Saadi revealed during the interview that he had switched his university course from physical education to criminology and criminal psychology due to an interest in true crime, particularly cases without motives. He cited the Setagaya family murders in Japan as an example and discussed his interest in horror movies, including The Strangers – Chapter 1, a slasher film he had recently watched, describing it as about a killer who “kills with no motive.
He added: “I like unsolved crimes,” and said horror movies made him feel “nothing… it’s just a movie.”
Evidence Found
Prosecutors allege that Saadi meticulously planned the attack, presenting evidence of weapons and items seized by police, including:
- Five knives, a machete, and a self-defence spray found in his bedroom.
- A blue rucksack containing white latex gloves, a black balaclava, a torch, wet wipes, and packets of chillies.
- Knives and an axe recovered from his parents’ home, which his father had reportedly hidden from him.
- Evidence showing Saadi had purchased six knives from online retailers between February and April 2024.
A further knife was discovered hidden in a wall cavity at his aunt’s house, where Saadi was living at the time.
The Attack
The court heard that Ms. Gray and Ms. Miles were attacked on the promenade late at night. Home Office pathologist Dr. Basil Purdue testified that Ms. Gray succumbed to her injuries from multiple stab wounds, while Ms. Miles survived, crediting her friend for saving her life.
After learning of Ms. Gray’s death, Ms. Miles said: “Amie Gray saved my life.
Denial of Charges
Saadi has denied the murder and attempted murder charges. However, he has pleaded guilty to failing to provide police with the PIN code for his mobile phone, claiming it was an “invasion of privacy.”
Trial Continues
Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC has outlined the evidence and motive for the attack, while the defense has pointed to Saadi’s claim of blacking out as a potential explanation for his lack of memory. The trial is ongoing, with the jury expected to hear further evidence in the coming days.
