Court Hears Accused Murderer Inquired About Evading Detection for Killing

Winchester Crown Court has been informed that a criminology student inquired during a seminar about methods to commit murder undetected, prior to fatally stabbing a woman on a beach. According to testimony, one of Nasen Saadi’s lecturers questioned him about whether he intended to commit a killing. The 20-year-old defendant, a resident of Croydon, faces accusations of murdering 34-year-old Amie Gray and causing serious injury to 38-year-old Leanne Miles at Durley Chine, Bournemouth, on May 24. While he refutes these specific charges, he has admitted guilt to the offense of not providing police with access to his mobile phone. The court was previously informed that Mr. Saadi dedicated a month to planning a random killing, investigating potential beaches and weapons. Sarah Jones KC, representing the prosecution, stated to the jury: “He seems to have wanted to know what it would be like to take life.” Testimony revealed that Mr. Saadi was enrolled in criminology and criminal psychology studies at the University of Greenwich in 2023. Dr. Lisa-Maria Reiss, a lecturer, recounted that the defendant requested she “go back to the point where you talked about murder and self-defence,” despite those topics not having been covered in her session. In her testimony, she stated: “He asked me what DNA is left behind and if the police is able to trace that DNA.” She then recounted asking him: “‘You’re not planning a murder, are you?'” To which he responded, “no, he was researching an article he wanted to write.” The jury was informed that Dr. Reiss’s partner, special officer Pavandeep Singh Aneja, delivered a presentation to students on policing in November. He testified to the court that the defendant posed questions “on DNA, how to get away with murder, these types of things.” He further elaborated: “There were questions along the lines of ‘If a crime is committed in one area, would that information be shared elsewhere?'” He added that there were additional inquiries: “‘What are your thoughts of females as police officers?’, which I thought was a pretty strange question.” Mr. Singh commented that the questions were “to an extent, relevant” and he did not dispute them. A different witness recounted hearing two distinct loud screams on the evening of the assaults. Michael Priddle, providing testimony, stated: “The first was deeper and louder than normal. The second scream not quite loud.” While returning home from the clifftop in Bournemouth, he reported observing a man clad in dark attire and a hood. Mr. Priddle remarked: “[It was] very concerning for my own safety. He seemed not a nice person.” He continued: “Is grimacing the right word? [He had] a frown. I seriously kept an eye on him for my safety. He looked a nasty person.” The court was subsequently informed that the witness identified Mr. Saadi from a photographic lineup as the individual he had seen. Earlier proceedings in court revealed that the two women were assaulted while seated on the sand, observing the full moon after kindling a fire. Ms. Gray, a football coach residing in Poole, was declared deceased at the location. Ms. Miles received hospital care for stab wounds to her chest and back. A video presented in court on Monday showed Ms. Miles recounting how she begged for her life, citing her children. Speaking from her hospital bed three days following the assault, she stated: “I just remember we turned around, and I looked at this boy.” She continued: “He went towards me first – because I remember Amie saying: ‘What are you doing? Get off her.'” With her voice trembling with emotion, Ms. Miles detailed losing sight of her friend during their escape but heard her exclaiming: “Get off me”. She further recounted: “He came back on to me and he was continuously stabbing me.” She then stated: “I said: ‘Please stop, I’ve got children.’ And then I think that’s when he started to go, he walked away.” Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC previously mentioned that in March and April, Mr. Saadi conducted online searches for terms such as “deadliest knife,” “machete,” and “what hotels don’t have CCTV.” She added that he reserved a Travelodge in Bournemouth for two nights starting May 21, and during one of those evenings, he viewed the film The Strangers – Chapter 1, which depicts a killer acting without a clear motive. It was also revealed that he made a reservation at a nearby guesthouse on May 23. The jury was informed that he informed police he had no recollection of his activities on the day of the assault, implying a potential blackout. The court heard that upon his arrest on May 28 at his residence in Purley, police discovered knives, latex gloves, and a balaclava. However, prosecutors stated that no weapon or clothing linked to the night of the killing has been recovered. The judicial proceedings are ongoing.