Stepfather Sentenced to Life for University Student's Murder

Nathan Owens, 34, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 35 years for the murder of his stepdaughter, Carla Georgescu, 19. Owens drove approximately 100 miles from his family home to Preston to commit the crime at Georgescu's university accommodation in February.

Justice Jacobs, presiding over the sentencing at Preston Crown Court, stated that Owens had not demonstrated remorse and accused him of victim-blaming by suggesting Georgescu had taken her own life. The judge described the attack as preplanned and sadistic, motivated by Owens' desire to avoid identification for prior sexual violations against Georgescu.

During the trial, the court heard that Owens carried out the murder in the early hours of February 4. Georgescu, a second-year clinical psychology student at the University of Lancashire, was found deceased by university security on February 5, a day that would have been her 20th birthday. Initially, police considered suicide as a possibility.

However, CCTV footage revealed Owens entering Georgescu's student flat around 4 a.m. and leaving approximately 90 minutes later. He was observed using an umbrella and face mask, wearing Georgescu's trainers, and carrying two bags. Telematics data from his car later pinpointed locations where he disposed of evidence, including Georgescu's mobile phone, bloodied bedding, and a T-shirt.

Owens, who had previously pleaded guilty to making indecent images of Georgescu, refused to give evidence in court and remained silent during police interviews. Prosecutors suggested his actions were driven by sexual jealousy and an escalating fascination with his stepdaughter, which included sexual acts with an effigy of her. He had learned that Georgescu was planning a trip to Romania to meet a boyfriend she had met online.

Lancashire Police described Georgescu as an intelligent, gentle, and articulate student with plans for postgraduate studies. Detective Inspector Pete Macdonald of Lancashire Police stated that Owens had a "despicable, perverted sexual obsession" with his stepdaughter, an obsession that led to her death. He added that while no verdict could bring Georgescu back, her family could find some sense of justice.

Following the murder, Owens returned home to his wife, Georgescu's mother, and was captured on CCTV shopping at an Asda store with her while his stepdaughter's body remained undiscovered. He later provided a false account to his wife and police about his movements on the night of the murder.

Owens was convicted of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent after a three-week trial. Jurors deliberated for just over three hours before reaching their verdict. verdict.