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New appeal to solve murder of teenager in 1995

Lewis Adams
BBC News, Buckinghamshire
TVP Joseph Brett wearing black and holding a framed photograph of his sister, who has blonde hair. Either side of Mr Brett are Noel Brett, wearing a beige jumper, and Pauline Nimmo, wearing a blazer and pale blue top. They are all sitting on a bench and look serious.TVP
Joseph Brett launched the fresh appeal with Sabrina's sister, Pauline Nimmo, and father, Noel Brett

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenage girl 30 years ago have made a new appeal for information.

Sabrina Brett was found dead in the Grand Union Canal in Stoke Hammond, near Milton Keynes, on 11 May 1995.

The 17-year-old had injuries to her head, face and neck, but police in Buckinghamshire were unable to find the killer.

"We can't describe the pain of living all these years without answers," said her brother, Joseph Brett.

Sabrina's body was discovered in the canal by a member of the public at Three Locks, on the village outskirts.

The police investigation found she had been the victim of child sexual exploitation, and her body had been in the waterway for a number of days.

Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

TVP A grainy photograph of Sabrina Brett, who has long blonde hair and is smiling. She is wearing a black top, although only the top part of it can be seen in the image.TVP
Sabrina's brother said she had an "infectious energy that could fill a room"

Mr Brett said: "Sabrina was just 17 years old when she was brutally murdered and taken from us in the most horrific way."

He described his sister as being "so bright and cheeky and full of life", with an "infectious energy that could fill a room".

"Sabrina had been exposed to things no child should ever have to face," Mr Brett added.

"Nearly 30 years have passed, and the person who did this to her has never been brought to justice."

He called for anyone with information "no matter how small it might seem" to come forward and "bring peace" to the family.

Paul Buckingham/Geograph The Grand Union Canal at Three Locks, just outside Stoke Hammond. There are two long canal boats on the water on a sunny day. The canal is lined with trees either side and has a pathway to the left.Paul Buckingham/Geograph
Sabrina's body had been in the canal for days before she was discovered

Peter Beirne, from Thames Valley Police, said detectives particularly wanted to speak to Sabrina's friends.

"So that we can build up a picture of her life in the weeks leading up to her death," he explained.

He described the cold case as "tragic" and urged people with information to disclose it.

"On the anniversary of her death, I am appealing for help in identifying who was responsible for both her death and her exploitation," Mr Beirne added.

Thames Valley Police asked anyone who could help to visit their local police station, call 101 or use its website and quote crime reference number 1745 (6/5).

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