A film director found dead at home with her Rolex watch missing had been stabbed eight times in the neck, the Old Bailey has heard.
Jennifer Abbott Dauward, 69, who was also known as Sarah Steinberg, was last seen alive on June 10 when she returned home from walking her pet corgi.
Her sister Nancy Pexton, who is also 69 but nine months younger, is charged with murder.
Prosecutor Ben Holt told the Old Bailey on Tuesday that Ms Dauward was found on the floor of the living room of her Camden home, partially covered with a blanket and with black tape on her mouth.
He said the victim would usually wear a Rolex and a Cartier bracelet but when her body was found, the watch was not there.
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was a sharp trauma to the neck with eight stab wounds identified, the court was told.
Ms Dauward was found dead by her niece and neighbours who broke her door down at her flat in Mornington Place, Camden, on June 13.
The discovery came amid growing concerns for her welfare, after family had not heard from her for several days.
Neighbours have said they regularly saw her walking her pet corgi in the area with one describing her as “exuberant” and “vivacious”.
Pexton appeared at the Old Bailey hearing on a videolink from HMP Bronzefield, where she is currently being held on remand.
She spoke to confirm her identity, and nodded at the conclusion of the hearing that she understood how her case will progress.
Judge Judi Khan KC remanded Pexton back into custody, and ordered her to appear in court again on September 9 for a plea hearing.
A provisional trial has been set for April 7 next year.
Pexton, or no fixed address, did not enter a plea to the charge of murder.
