Criminology Student Nasen Saadi’s Chilling Beach Murder: Planned Killing Exposed in Shocking Trial Details

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A criminology student accused of a random and premeditated murder on Bournemouth beach appeared in Winchester Crown Court, where detailed evidence was presented regarding his alleged actions leading up to and during the fatal attack.

The defendant, 20-year-old Nasen Saadi, from Croydon, south London, denies charges of murdering 34-year-old physical trainer Amie Gray and the attempted murder of her friend, 38-year-old Leanne Miles. Both women were attacked at Durley Chine Beach on the evening of May 24, 2024. Saadi has pleaded guilty to failing to provide police with access to his mobile phone but denies all other charges.

The court heard that Saadi, a criminology and criminal psychology student at the University of Greenwich, had allegedly spent weeks planning the attack, conducting extensive online research into weapons and forensic techniques. Evidence revealed that in March and April 2024, Saadi searched terms such as "deadliest knife," "machete," and "what hotels don't have CCTV." He later booked accommodation at a Travelodge in Bournemouth for two nights starting May 21.

In footage shown to the jury, the defendant could be seen travelling by train to Bournemouth on 21 May. He carried out several night-time recces of the area, wearing dark clothing and sunglasses, the prosecutor added. On 23 May, he switched from a Travelodge to the Silver How Hotel, the court heard. On the night of the attack, he arrived at the beach at 23:06, the jury was told.

Footage showed Mr Saadi walking up and down the promenade before attacking the woman and walking back to his hotel,

Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC told the court that Saadi was fixated on committing a random killing, stating: "He seems to have wanted to know what it would be like to take life." On May 24, Saadi arrived at the beach shortly after 11:00 p.m. and was captured on CCTV loitering near the two women for approximately half an hour.

As they sat by a small fire at the water's edge, Saadi allegedly launched his attack. Ms. Gray suffered ten stab wounds, including a fatal wound to her heart, and Ms. Miles sustained 20 injuries, primarily to her back. The jury was shown CCTV footage of the attack, which captured two figures moving away from the fire before the assault. One figure was seen lying on the sand while the other tried to fend off the attacker.

Pathologist Dr Basil Purdue said Ms Gray died quickly from multiple stab wounds to her chest and arm.

Giving evidence, he said one knife thrust "cut deeply into the breastbone", penetrating her heart.

He said another stab wound severed an artery in the victim's left arm, causing severe bleeding.

Ms Miles' 20 injuries were mainly to her back, the pathologist said.

She had blood in the chest cavity around her right lung and a cut to her liver, the court heard.

He concluded: "All of the injuries are clearly incised wounds... as a result of stabbing with a knife having a single sharp edge." He said the blade need not have been more than 5-7cm (2-3 inches) long.

Both women also appeared to have tried to fend off the attacks with their arms, he added.

Ms. Miles, in a recorded video statement played in court, described the horrifying moments of the attack. Speaking from her hospital bed, she recalled: "I just remember we turned around, and I looked at this boy. He went towards me first—because I remember Amie saying: 'What are you doing? Get off her.'" She continued: "I said, 'Please stop, I've got children.' And then I think that's when he started to go, he walked away."

Amateur photographer Michael Priddle, who had been photographing wildlife and the moon that evening, testified that he heard two loud screams near the beach. Shortly afterward, he encountered a man dressed in dark clothing walking towards him on the promenade. Priddle described the individual as having a "grimacing, frowning" face and said he felt concerned for his safety. Days later, he identified Saadi from a police lineup.

Further evidence presented by the prosecution outlined Saadi’s behavior in the days leading up to the attack. CCTV footage showed him conducting nighttime reconnaissance of the area while dressed in dark clothing. On the evening before the murder, he was seen pacing the promenade and later returning to his hotel. Prosecutors argued that this behavior demonstrated premeditation.

In court, Saadi’s former lecturer, Dr. Lisa-Maria Reiss, recalled his unsettling interest in murder and forensic evidence during her criminology lectures. She testified that Saadi asked her about DNA traces and how they could be used to solve crimes. "I asked him: 'You're not planning a murder, are you?' He said no, he was researching an article he wanted to write," she told the jury. Her partner, Pavandeep Singh Aneja, who also gave a lecture on policing, testified that Saadi asked unusual questions about DNA evidence, cross-jurisdictional police collaboration, and policing methods.

Upon his arrest at his home in Purley on May 28, police discovered knives, latex gloves, and a balaclava. However, neither the weapon used in the attack nor the clothing Saadi was wearing that night has been recovered. In police interviews, Saadi claimed he could not recall his movements on May 24, suggesting he may have experienced a blackout.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

In cases such as this, the legal principle of mens rea—the intent or mental state behind the act (reus actus) —is a critical factor in determining the severity of charges and sentencing. The prosecution in this trial has presented evidence suggesting that the alleged crime was premeditated, pointing to extensive online searches, reconnaissance of the crime scene, and the defendant’s behavior in the days leading up to the incident.

Premeditation, in legal terms, refers to the deliberate planning or forethought to commit a crime, particularly murder. It distinguishes between impulsive actions and those carried out with calculated intent. Under English law, premeditation does not require meticulous or lengthy planning; it is sufficient to show that the defendant had formed an intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm, even moments before the act.

If the jury finds that the evidence supports premeditation, this will strengthen the case for a conviction of murder, as opposed to a lesser charge such as manslaughter. The fact that the defendant allegedly researched forensic methods, weapons, and locations could be interpreted as circumstantial evidence of intent. While circumstantial evidence alone may not prove guilt, it can build a compelling narrative when supported by direct evidence, such as eyewitness testimony or forensic findings.

In England and Wales, a conviction for murder carries a mandatory life sentence. The sentencing judge determines the minimum term the defendant must serve before becoming eligible for parole. Factors such as premeditation, the use of a weapon, and the vulnerability of the victim often lead to higher minimum terms. In this case, should the jury convict and accept the prosecution’s assertions of planning and deliberate action, a substantial minimum term could be imposed.

This case also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the justice system in addressing the influence of premeditated violence, particularly when it is carried out with no discernible motive. Such instances require careful application of legal principles to ensure justice is served while safeguarding public confidence in the judicial process.

The trial continues......

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Bénédict Tarot Freeman

Editor-at-Large

VPN City-Desk

citydesk@vpnldn.co.uk