Nasen Saadi, a 20-year-old criminology student, stands accused of the brutal murder of Amie Gray and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles on Durley Chine Beach in Bournemouth. The prosecution has presented a chilling narrative of Saadi’s actions leading up to the alleged attack, piecing together CCTV footage and witness testimonies to paint a picture of premeditation and calculated violence. Days before the incident, Saadi was captured on camera strolling along the very beach where the attack would later unfold, seemingly casing the location. Further footage places him in Croydon, purchasing items and withdrawing cash, followed by his train journey to Bournemouth and subsequent check-in at a Travelodge hotel. The prosecution contends that these actions, coupled with his later purchase of wet wipes and nail clippers, demonstrate a deliberate preparation for the violent act.
The court heard how Saadi embarked on a nighttime “recce” of the Durley Chine area, walking along the promenade under the cover of darkness. This act, the prosecution argues, further supports the theory of premeditation, suggesting that Saadi was familiarizing himself with the location and planning his attack. The seemingly mundane actions captured on CCTV, such as his visit to a Five Guys restaurant and his purchase of everyday items, take on a sinister undertone when viewed in the context of the horrific crime he is accused of committing. The prosecution aims to establish a clear timeline of Saadi’s movements, demonstrating his deliberate journey from London to Bournemouth and his calculated actions leading up to the alleged attack.
The attack itself was described as sudden and brutal. Amie Gray and Leanne Miles, who were simply enjoying an evening by a fire on the beach, were allegedly targeted at random by Saadi. Amie tragically suffered ten stab wounds and screamed for help, while Leanne desperately pleaded with her attacker to stop, telling him she had children. A harrowing 999 call played in court captured Leanne’s cries of pain and fear as she described being stabbed multiple times. The recording provides a chillingly real account of the terror and suffering inflicted upon the two victims, emphasizing the sheer brutality of the attack. Leanne’s desperate pleas for help and her expressions of pain and dizziness underscore the severity of her injuries and the traumatic nature of the incident.
Adding a further layer of disturbing detail to the case, the prosecution revealed Saadi’s alleged research into methods of murder prior to the attack. This included investigations into the killing of Brianna Ghey, a case that garnered significant public attention. Furthermore, Saadi had reportedly questioned his lecturers about legal defenses for murder, raising concerns about his fascination with the subject and its potential connection to his alleged actions. This alleged pre-attack research into murder methods and legal defenses paints a disturbing picture of Saadi’s mindset. It suggests a morbid fascination with violent crime and a potential attempt to strategize his defense in the event of capture. The prosecution aims to establish a direct link between Saadi’s research and the alleged attack, arguing that it demonstrates premeditation and intent.
The prosecution’s case is further bolstered by CCTV footage that allegedly captures the attack itself, and by the identification of Saadi by a photographer who was present at the scene. This visual evidence, combined with the timeline of Saadi’s movements and his alleged pre-attack research, strengthens the prosecution’s narrative of a planned and deliberate attack. The positive identification by a witness provides crucial corroboration, linking Saadi directly to the scene of the crime.
Saadi, in his police interview, admitted to an interest in true crime and horror movies, and acknowledged his presence in Bournemouth. However, he claimed to have potentially suffered a blackout or been affected by alcohol consumption. He has also pleaded guilty to failing to provide his mobile phone code to police. This refusal to cooperate with the investigation could be interpreted as an attempt to conceal potentially incriminating evidence. Despite his admissions, Saadi denies the charges of murder and attempted murder. The trial continues, with the jury tasked with weighing the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense to determine Saadi’s guilt or innocence. The case hinges on whether the prosecution can successfully convince the jury that Saadi’s actions were premeditated and that he intended to kill Amie Gray and Leanne Miles.
