Tony King, a 60-year-old Eastbourne resident, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years. King pleaded guilty to the murder of 68-year-old Sabrina Cooper and the possession of a knife in a public place. The sentencing occurred on Friday, 23 June, at Hove Crown Court.
King, of Cornfield Terrace, Eastbourne, confessed to the crime at a hearing last month. He brutally murdered Sabrina just before the Christmas holidays last year.
On the night of the crime, Sunday, December 18, emergency services received a call around 6.45 pm to Sabrina’s residence at Connaught Road. Initially, they believed Sabrina had suffered a medical complication following a recent operation. However, a quick examination revealed she had sustained five stab wounds to her torso, leading to her tragic death.
Subsequent investigation led officers to King, an acquaintance of Sabrina. After reviewing her phone records, which indicated recent communication with King, the police arrested him on suspicion of murder. Detectives discovered blood-stained clothing in King’s home, specifically in a washing machine and the lounge of his one-bedroom flat.
During the interrogation, King admitted to the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team that he had committed the murder. His confession led to the recovery of a single-edged kitchen knife, identified as the murder weapon.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts are with Sabrina’s family and friends who were shocked at this senseless and apparently motiveless murder.
“King admitted the offence in interview soon after he was arrested, but subsequently pleaded not guilty to murder at court hearings in December and April, unnecessarily extending the process for those grieving her death.
“I would like to acknowledge the professional and thorough work of my colleagues in bringing about the early arrest in the case and for their dedication in bringing the investigation to this conclusion.”
Sabrina’s family said: “Today we remember Sabrina who was so viciously taken away from us just before Christmas last year. We remember her as a loving daughter, a sister, a mother and grandmother. As a dog lover she became a popular member of the local community of Eastbourne where she proudly ran Coopers Magic Shop for many years. She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all that knew her.
“We welcome the sentence passed down today and hope that should Sabrina be looking down from above, she will be able to rest in peace with the knowledge that justice has, at last, been served. However, justice does not come close to the pain and suffering Sabrina endured at the hands of this man.
“There are no words that can explain how we, the family feel. After six months of searching, we have yet to find the word or collection of words that can offer an answer to the simple question ‘Why?’ Whilst justice has been served, this will never bring Sabrina back to us.
“We thank Sussex Police for their rapid response that ultimately led to a quick arrest. We also thank them for the support they have shown the family over the past six months.”
King will now serve 22 years and 182 days due to time already spent on remand.
