Accused in Rolex murder case told sister she was 'planning to kill her', court hears

A woman accused of cutting her sister's throat and taking her Rolex watch told her she was "planning to kill" her months beforehand, a court has heard.

Nancy Pexton, 70, allegedly slashed and stabbed her sibling, Jennifer Abbott, a film director, at her flat in Camden, north London, on 10 June 2025.

On Friday, prosecutor Bill Boyce KC read a message from Pexton to Ms Abbott which read: "You know I was planning to kill you but it was just a thought, I would never hurt you".

The victim shared the message with her nephew in November 2024, asking him if she should apply for a restraining order and writing a physical note about it, jurors at the Old Bailey were told.

The court heard how she told her nephew at the time that she thought Pexton was "capable of anything" and feared for her own safety.

'Watch your back'

Three days after her death, a neighbour broke down the door and found the 69-year-old dead on the floor of her living room with gaffer tape covering her mouth.

Jurors heard how the victim's missing diamond-encrusted, gold Rolex watch was later recovered from Pexton's belongings after she was admitted to hospital.

Pexton was arrested by the police on 18 June.

Her message to her sister also said she had always loved her from the "heart" but accused her of betraying her in "every way because you [were] jealous of me".

The message warned Ms Abbott to "watch your back from those you conned and stole money from... You never know they could get you while you [are] walking your dog".

Mr Boyce told jurors that Pexton's message to her sister may have been caused by hate coupled with "jealousy and abuse".

Examination of Pexton's phone revealed a series of notes where she referred to thinking about killing her sister and complained about other family members, the court was told.

The day before Ms Abbott's death, Pexton messaged her: "Bless you, you sounded shocked that I'm coming to c u now. Sorry I scared you Thursday or Friday (sic)."

On 10 June, the defendant called her sister nine times, the final call lasting just over 15 minutes.

Mr Boyce said it was "no coincidence" Ms Abbott was not seen or heard from after she took her corgi dog, Prince, for a walk that morning.

He alleged Pexton was the last person to see her alive, having fatally attacked her in her home and leaving just before 2pm.

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Pexton, of no fixed address, has denied murdering her sister and claimed Ms Abbott had given her the Rolex to "keep for her", jurors heard.

In prepared statements to police, she stated that she loved her sister and would never harm her.

She claimed the notes on her phone, and the message to Ms Abbott were examples of "venting" her feelings.

The defendant claimed she got Ms Abbott's blood on her clothes when she hugged her while the victim was having a nosebleed.

However, Mr Boyce said scientific analysis supported the proposition that she got covered in blood from stabbing Ms Abbott multiple times.

The trial continues.

(c) Sky News 2026: Accused in Rolex murder case told sister she was 'planning to kill her', court hears