A man faces life in jail after he admitted murdering comedy legend Tommy Cooper’s niece, who was found in a pool of blood after being stabbed to death. Last December, Sabrina Cooper’s body was found at in her home in Eastbourne, East Sussex, as police were alerted over concerns for her welfare.
The 68-year-old had suffered multiple stab wounds to her chest and abdomen and was found lying in a pool of her own blood.
Tony King, 59, pleaded guilty to her murder when he appeared in at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday.
King, who had lived a short walk away from the victim, appeared in court in a grey sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms, with white stubble and stood impassively in the dock as he pleaded guilty to murder
Ms Cooper’s daughter, Natasha, fought back tears as King admitted the killing.
Judge Christine Laing KC said the only sentence she could pass on the 59-year-old was one of life imprisonment and only had to decide the minimum sentence to impose before parole can be considered.
Ms Cooper’s father David was the brother of Welsh comic and magician Tommy who died on stage from a heart attack in 1984.
In a tribute to her, Ms Cooper’s family said: “On behalf of the family, we thank everyone who has shown support and love as this nightmare has unfolded.
“A loving and dedicated mother, a beloved grandmother and a popular member of the Eastbourne community, Sabrina enjoyed walking her dogs through Eastbourne where she would meet other like-minded people.
“Like us, her dogs Abra and Tricks cannot understand what has happened as they pine, staring at the door, expecting Sabrina to return.”
One resident said: ‘She was a lovely lady, well-liked by everyone. It’s such a tragic thing. The shop in Eastbourne was iconic and everyone remembers it well.’
Another said: ‘She was a really beautiful person. She was so friendly and caring towards everyone she met. We can’t believe she has gone. We used to see her walking her dogs who she was devoted to.’
King will be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court next month.
