Robert Sabat, 60, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years for the murder of his former partner, Dickiesha Nurse, 42. The fatal stabbing occurred at Nurse's flat in Tulse Hill, south London, in October 2025, just days after Sabat was released from HMP Wandsworth.
Sabat had been sentenced the day before his release to 12 months in jail for possession of a bladed article and harassment. He had been held on remand since May 2025. His release on October 17, 2025, followed a change in government policy that allowed some offenders to be released after serving 40% of their sentence, rather than the previous 50% requirement. This policy has since been replaced by the Sentencing Act 2026, which permits some prisoners to be released after serving a third of their sentence.
Following his arrest for Nurse's murder, Sabat reportedly told officers he was planning a "murder spree" and wished to be returned to prison. He claimed to have killed before and stated, "I've murdered three people so far. I'm gonna go on a murder spree."
Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC told the Old Bailey that Sabat and Nurse had a long-standing relationship. Two days after Sabat's release, Nurse's children visited her and mentioned that a "friend or cousin" had been present. By October 22, Nurse had informed a neighbor that Sabat was at her address and refusing to leave, and another neighbor heard her shouting for him to get out.
A neighbor reported hearing a single scream from Nurse's home on October 24. Nurse was last seen on CCTV on October 25. Her children attempted to visit her the following day but received no answer. Concerned family members raised the alarm on October 27, prompting paramedics to enter the flat. Sabat, armed with a knife, allegedly charged at a paramedic.
Police were called, and armed officers gained entry, detaining Sabat using Tasers. Officers discovered Nurse on a bed with a pillow over her face and multiple stab wounds to her face. A post-mortem examination revealed approximately eight stab wounds to her face, neck, and hands. A knife with Nurse's blood on it, along with prison records and a bag marked "HMP valuables," were recovered from the flat.
In mitigation, Alisdair Williamson KC noted Sabat's history of living "on the margins," periods of incarceration, and struggles with mental health, depression, and anxiety.
Nurse's sister, Samantha Carvalho, described Sabat as a "menace to society" and found the killing "heartless." Her mother, Claudette McBean, remembered her daughter as kind, loving, and the "life and soul of the party."
Court records indicate Sabat has previous convictions dating back to 1987, including burglary, assault, wounding with intent, knife possession, and harassment of ex-partners. He was also subject to a non-molestation order in 2013 and received a restraining order in August 2023 after being cleared of attempted murder when the complainant failed to attend court.