Understand
Man jailed for life for murdering former partner days after early prison release
Overview
Robert Sabat, 60, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years at the Old Bailey after pleading guilty to the murder of 42-year-old Dickiesha Nurse. Sabat had been released on licence from HMP Wandsworth just days before the killing, having served 40% of a 12-month sentence for knife possession and harassment. Upon his arrest, he charged at a paramedic with a knife and told police officers he wanted to remain in prison because he was going to go on a murder spree.
Key points
- Robert Sabat pleaded guilty to murdering 42-year-old Dickiesha Nurse at her flat in Tulse Hill, south London.
- Sabat was released on licence on 17 October 2025 after serving 40% of a 12-month sentence for possession of a bladed article and harassment.
- He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years at the Old Bailey.
- When arrested, Sabat charged at a paramedic with a knife and told officers he wanted to stay in jail because he planned a murder spree.
- A post-mortem examination showed Nurse sustained about eight stab wounds, including to her face, neck, and hands.
- Sabat has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 1987, featuring previous convictions for assault, burglary, wounding with intent, knife possession, and harassment.