Man jailed for murder days after early release
Robert Sabat received a life sentence for killing Dickiesha Nurse in Tulse Hill, south London.
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Robert Sabat, 60, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years and one month for the murder of Dickiesha Nurse. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Sabat killed Ms Nurse at her flat in Tulse Hill, south London, between 21 and 28 October 2025.
Release and Offence
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Sabat had been released on licence from HMP Wandsworth on 17 October 2025. This followed a 12-month sentence for possession of a bladed article and harassment, of which he had served 40%. The change in automatic release dates meant offenders could be freed after serving 40% of their sentence, rather than the previous 50% requirement. He had been held on remand since May 2025.
Following his arrest on suspicion of Ms Nurse's murder, Sabat claimed he had killed before and intended to commit further murders. He told officers: "I'm a murderer, I don't want to come back out, I wanna go to 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. I've murdered three people so far. I'm gonna go on a murder spree."
The Attack
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Jordan Burton, 33, was convicted at the Old Bailey on 29 September 2026 for an assault in Lewisham in 2006.
Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC told the court that Sabat and Ms Nurse had a long-standing relationship, with Sabat having been raised by her father. Neighbours reported that on 22 October 2025, Ms Nurse stated Sabat was at her address and refusing to leave. One neighbour heard her shouting "Get out of my house" in the street. Two days later, a single scream was heard from the property.
Ms Nurse was last seen on CCTV on 25 October 2025. Her children attempted to visit her the following day but received no response. Concerns were raised by her family on 27 October, leading paramedics to attend the flat for a welfare check. Upon entry, Sabat, armed with a knife, charged at a paramedic. Emergency services and family members withdrew, and police were called.
Armed officers forced entry and detained Sabat using Tasers. Officers discovered Ms Nurse on a bed with a pillow over her face and multiple stab wounds. A post-mortem examination revealed approximately eight stab wounds to her face, neck, and hands. A knife with Ms Nurse's blood, a bag marked "HMP valuables", and prison records belonging to Sabat were recovered from the flat.
Previous Convictions
Sabat has a history of convictions dating back to 1987, including burglary, assault, wounding with intent, knife possession, and harassment. He was made subject to a non-molestation order in 2013 and received a restraining order in August 2023 after being cleared of attempted murder.
In mitigation, Alisdair Williamson KC stated Sabat had lived "on the margins" and struggled with mental health issues, depression, and anxiety. Ms Nurse's sister, Samantha Carvalho, described Sabat as a "menace to society", and her mother, Claudette McBean, remembered her daughter as kind and loving.
Questions this report answers
+What was Robert Sabat sentenced to?
Robert Sabat was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years and one month for the murder of Dickiesha Nurse. He must serve this period before being eligible for parole.
+When was Robert Sabat released from prison before the murder?
Sabat was released on licence from HMP Wandsworth on 17 October 2025. He had served 40% of a 12-month sentence for possession of a bladed article and harassment.
+Where did the murder take place?
The murder occurred at Dickiesha Nurse's flat in Tulse Hill, south London. The attack took place between 21 and 28 October 2025.
+What did Sabat say after being arrested?
After his arrest, Sabat claimed he had killed before and intended to commit further murders. He told officers he was a murderer and wanted to be returned to prison, stating he planned to 'go on a murder spree'.
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