A 21-year-old criminology student has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 39 years for the brutal murder of Amie Gray and the attempted murder of her friend Leanne Miles on Bournemouth beach. Nasen Saadi, who hails from Croydon, south London, fatally stabbed the 34-year-old Gray and seriously injured Miles during a late-night outing on May 24, 2024. The two women had been enjoying a chat next to a small fire on Durley Chine Beach when the attack occurred.
On March 28, 2025, as the court delivered its verdict, Ms. Gray's family paid tribute to their daughter, describing her as someone who “touched the lives of so many.” They stated, “Her strength lives on in all of us.” The chilling details of the case revealed that Saadi had meticulously planned the attack, collecting knives and conducting research on how to evade law enforcement.
During the trial at Winchester Crown Court, it was disclosed that Saadi had asked his university lecturers questions about how to get away with murder. He was also noted to have a fascination with knives, having purchased six blades from online retailers. The court heard testimony from Home Office pathologist Dr. Basil Purdue, who confirmed that Gray died from ten stab wounds, including one that pierced her heart. Meanwhile, Miles endured 20 knife injuries but survived the attack.
In a statement following the verdict, Sian Gray, Amie’s wife, expressed her determination to keep her wife’s memory alive, stating, “She didn’t die on that beach; she still lives on.” Saadi’s actions were characterized in court as stemming from a “grievance against society and women,” with prosecutors suggesting that he sought to feel powerful through his violent actions.
As the trial unfolded, the court learned that Saadi had booked two hotels for a four-night stay in Bournemouth, arriving on May 21, 2024. CCTV footage captured him conducting reconnaissance of the beach area before the attack, which took place around 11:40 PM. On the night of the murder, the women were reportedly sitting on the sand, enjoying the full moon when Saadi approached and launched his attack.
Judge Mrs. Justice Cutts described Saadi as an “extremely dangerous young man” who had plotted the attack with the intent of gaining notoriety. She noted that he had a “complete lack of remorse” and had chosen to deny his guilt, further indicating that he had a suppressed rage against women and society.
In his defense, Saadi’s barrister, Charlie Sherrard KC, claimed that his client was a “social misfit” with a history of social rejection, which contributed to his violent tendencies. The defense also pointed out that Saadi had never been in trouble before and came from a loving family, suggesting that there were no warning signs of his violent inclinations.
During the trial, it was revealed that Saadi had expressed a desire to know what it would be like to take a life, suggesting a deeper psychological issue. Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC highlighted that he exhibited features of autism spectrum disorder, but did not have a formal diagnosis. His obsession with violent films and true crime was also noted, with references to high-profile cases like that of Milly Dowler and Brianna Ghey surfacing during the investigation.
The court was informed that Saadi had attempted to avoid detection by wearing latex gloves, a balaclava, and carrying wet wipes and nail clippers during the attack. After the murder, he disposed of his weapon and clothing, leaving no DNA or fingerprints behind. However, Dorset police built a strong circumstantial case against him, leading to his conviction.
In her victim impact statement, Sian Gray described the profound loss her family has endured, stating, “I’m not the person I was before. I fight every day to keep my career on track and continue to be a role model for our daughter who is now growing up without one of her parents.” She expressed the pain of having to grieve her wife and attend events alone.
Amie Gray’s mother, Sharon Macklin, also spoke of her daughter’s vibrant personality, saying, “Amie was an amazing, funny, kind and energetic soul. She had a big smile and a loud laugh, and when she entered the room, it filled with laughter.”
Leanne Miles, who survived the attack, chose not to make a statement, preferring to keep her distance from Saadi. The court heard that Saadi harbored misogynistic views, often expressing to peers that women were weaker than men and should not work in certain professions.
While in custody at Belmarsh prison, Saadi reportedly asked a female officer about the media coverage of his case and then engaged in inappropriate behavior. Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins of Dorset police stated that Saadi had gone to Bournemouth with the intention of killing, targeting Gray and Miles because they were isolated and vulnerable.
Ultimately, Nasen Saadi was found guilty of murder and attempted murder, and he will serve a minimum of 39 years in prison. The case has raised significant concerns about societal issues surrounding violence against women and the psychological factors that can lead to such heinous acts.
