Killer jailed for 17 years after Tulse Hill stabbing

Robert Sabat, 60, has been jailed for life with a minimum of 17 years for the murder of Dickiesha Nurse, 42, who was stabbed multiple times at her flat in Tulse Hill, south London, on or around 25 October 2025. The Old Bailey heard that Sabat had been released from HMP Wandsworth just one day before he was sentenced for possession of a bladed article and harassment.

Sabat, of Balham, was serving a 12-month sentence for possession of a bladed article and harassment, having been on remand since May 2025. His release on licence from HMP Wandsworth on 17 October 2025 followed a change in automatic release dates for offenders. This meant he served 40% of his sentence, rather than the previous 50% requirement.

Claims of "murder spree"

When arrested on suspicion of Ms Nurse's murder, Sabat told officers he was a murderer and intended to "go on a murder spree". He stated he had killed before and "got away with it", claiming to have murdered three people so far. He expressed a desire to be returned to prison, saying, "I'm happy in there, I've done wrong."

Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC told the court that Sabat and Ms Nurse had a long-standing relationship. Neighbours reported hearing Ms Nurse tell Sabat to leave her property and one neighbour heard a scream from the flat two days before she was last seen on CCTV on 25 October 2025.

Ms Nurse's children raised concerns after receiving no response when visiting her flat on 26 October. Paramedics and family members entered the property on 27 October, where Sabat, armed with a knife, charged at a paramedic. Police were called, and armed officers forced entry, detaining Sabat using Tasers.

Officers found Ms Nurse on a bed with multiple stab wounds to her face, neck, and hands. A post-mortem examination confirmed approximately eight stab wounds. A knife with Ms Nurse's blood on it, a bag marked "HMP valuables", and prison records in Sabat's name were recovered from the flat.

Previous convictions

In mitigation, Alisdair Williamson KC stated Sabat had struggled with mental health issues, depression, and anxiety. Ms Nurse's sister, Samantha Carvalho, described Sabat as a "menace to society" and found the "heartlessness" of the killing difficult to comprehend. Her mother, Claudette McBean, remembered her daughter as kind and the "life and soul of the party".

The court heard Sabat has convictions dating back to 1987, including for burglary, assault, wounding with intent, knife possession, and harassment. He was previously subject to a non-molestation order in 2013 and a restraining order in August 2023.

What happens next

Sabat has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years. The Sentencing Act 2026, which came into effect last week and allows some prisoners to be released after serving a third of their sentence, replaced the policy under which Sabat was released early.