Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 28th March 2025, at 14:45hrs
Nasen Saadi, 21, of Croydon, London, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 39 years for the murder of Amie Gray and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles on Durley Chine Beach, Bournemouth.
The sentencing, delivered at Winchester Crown Court, concludes a harrowing investigation by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).
The brutal attack occurred on the evening of Friday, May 24, 2024, at approximately 11:40 PM, when Saadi launched an unprovoked assault on Gray and Miles as they sat by a fire on the beach.
Gray tragically died at the scene, while Miles sustained serious injuries.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, leading the investigation, described the attack as a “brutal” and “planned” act of violence.
“Our investigation team has been supported by colleagues from across Dorset Police as we worked tirelessly to secure justice for the family of Amie and for Leanne,” he stated.
The initial stages of the investigation involved extensive CCTV reviews and meticulous searches of the beach and surrounding areas.
Through diligent work, investigators identified Saadi from CCTV footage showing him purchasing items at a local convenience store using his bank card.
This financial transaction provided his name, leading to his arrest at his Croydon home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Saadi refused to cooperate with the investigation, declining to provide access to his mobile phone, resulting in an additional charge under Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigation Powers Act (RIPA), to which he pleaded guilty.
The investigation revealed that Saadi had travelled to Bournemouth, a location he had never visited before, several days prior to the attack, with the apparent intention of committing the crime.
“It appears that he targeted Amie and Leanne, who he had never met and were simply enjoying a peaceful evening on the beach, just because he saw an opportunity to surprise and overpower them,” DI Jenkins explained.
Benjamin May, a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, expressed his condolences to Gray’s family and praised Miles’ bravery. “Amie Gray lost her life in the most tragic way, and our deepest condolences remain with her family,” May stated.
“Amie’s courageous final act to protect her friend truly defines who she was, and her life will forever be remembered for the love and protection she gave to her loved ones.”
May condemned Saadi’s actions, saying, “Saadi’s perverse fascination with murder and violence morphed into vile, real-world consequences, for which he has faced justice.
Women should be free to enjoy their lives without fear of violence – the Crown Prosecution Service is unwavering in our commitment to see perpetrators of male violence against women and girls brought to justice.”
Dorset Police extended their gratitude to the local community and businesses for their cooperation and assistance throughout the investigation.
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to the victims’ families and the community while highlighting the devastating impact of violent crime.
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