Sabina Nessa, a 28-year-old British primary school teacher from a Bangladeshi family, was murdered in south-east London in September 2021 while walking through Cator Park in Kidbrooke to meet a friend.

Her killer, Koci Selamaj, pleaded guilty to murder but refused to attend his sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey in April 2022. As a result, Nessa’s sister, Jabina Islam, was forced to deliver her victim impact statement without the killer present to hear it.

Nessa’s family described the experience as deeply painful. Her sister said she had spent days preparing the statement because she wanted Selamaj to understand the impact his actions had on the family and to hear about the person Sabina was.

The court heard that Selamaj had attacked Nessa from behind with a metal traffic triangle before killing her. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 36 years.

The case also prompted Nessa’s family to campaign for changes to the law. Her sister continued campaigning after the sentencing, arguing that offenders should not be able to simply refuse to attend court when victims or their families are delivering impact statements.

According to a September 2026 account by Nessa’s sister, the campaign eventually contributed to a change in the law requiring offenders to attend sentencing hearings to hear victims’ impact statements, with an additional penalty for refusing to attend.

Nessa is remembered by her family, former pupils and community as a caring teacher, loving daughter and devoted aunt. Her family says they hope her legacy will be remembered for her life, character and commitment to empowering others—not only for the circumstances of her death.