Man jailed for life for Tulse Hill murder days after prison release

Robert Sabat, 60, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his former partner, Dickiesha Nurse, 42, at her Tulse Hill flat. The killing occurred less than two weeks after Sabat was released on licence from Wandsworth Prison. He must serve a minimum of 17 years and one month before being considered for parole. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey on Wednesday before Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC.

Background to the offence

Sabat was released on licence on October 17, 2025, having been sentenced the previous day at Kingston Crown Court to 12 months in prison. He had been held on remand since May 2025, following his conviction for possession of a bladed article and harassment. This related to an incident on May 1, 2025, where he was found banging on a former partner's door armed with two knives. His licence was due to expire on May 22, 2026.

On being arrested on suspicion of Ms Nurse’s murder, Sabat made statements to police. He claimed he had killed before and said, “I’m gonna go on a murder spree”. He also stated, “I stay jail. I’ve been let out a week. Let me back. I’m happy in there, I’ve done wrong. I killed before and got away with it.”

The murder

Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC told the court that Sabat and Ms Nurse had a long-standing relationship. Two days after Sabat’s release, Ms Nurse’s children visited her. On October 22, Ms Nurse informed a neighbour that Sabat was at her address and refused to leave. Another neighbour reported hearing Ms Nurse shouting in the street, “get out of my house”. On October 24, a neighbour heard a scream from Ms Nurse’s home, suggesting she was in distress or being attacked. Ms Nurse was last seen on CCTV the following day.

When Ms Nurse’s children tried to visit on Sunday, October 26, they received no response. Their father contacted Ms Nurse’s mother and siblings, who raised concerns. On Monday, October 27, paramedics attended Ms Nurse’s flat for a welfare check, accompanied by her sister and mother. After receiving no answer, an ambulance crew member entered through an open window. As they moved into the hallway, Sabat emerged from an internal door, charging towards them while holding a knife. The ambulance crew and family members retreated, and police were called.

Armed officers forced entry and detained Sabat, who smelled strongly of alcohol. Officers discovered Ms Nurse on a bed with a pillow over her face and 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.

Victim impact statements and defendant's history

In a victim impact statement, Ms Nurse’s sister, Samantha Carvalho, described Sabat as a “menace to society” and stated the “heartlessness” of the killing was “impossible to comprehend”. She added that each cut was an expression of Sabat’s “ballistic rage”. Ms Nurse’s mother, Claudette McBean, described her daughter as kind, loving, and the “life and soul of the party”.

The court heard that Sabat has a history of convictions dating back to 1987, including burglary, assault, wounding with intent, knife possession, and harassment. In 2013, he was subject to a non-molestation order for a former partner. In August 2023, he received a restraining order after being cleared of attempted murder when the complainant failed to attend court.

In mitigation, Alisdair Williamson KC stated the defendant had lived “on the margins” with spells in jail and had struggled with mental health issues, depression, and anxiety. Following his arrest, Sabat reportedly said, “What have I done? I’m sorry.”

What happens next

Robert Sabat has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years and one month. He will be subject to licence conditions indefinitely upon his eventual release.