Reuters/Metropolitan Police/handout
This sad, sordid story came to an end Wednesday with Saud Abdulaziz bin Nasser al Saud getting the longest sentence of them all.
The 34-year-old Saudi Prince was found guilty and given life for the murder of the 32-year-old servant, Bandar Abdulaziz, who was found beaten and strangled in London’s Landmark Hotel back in February. The court was told that the assault contained a “sexual element” and how he’d attacked Abdulaziz many times in the past. Al Saud admitted manslaughter but denied murder, yet was given a minimum term of 20 years. (See the top 25 crimes of the previous century.)
Fueled by champagne and cocktails on the night in question, al Saud’s actions illustrated the “deeply abusive” master-servant relationship with these attacks perpetrated “for his own personal gratification.” Judge Mr Justice Bean said, “You were in a position of authority and trust over him which you exploited ruthlessly,” before going on to remark, “I think the most likely explanation is that you could not care less whether you killed him or not.” (See pictures of the changing role of women in Saudi Arabia.)
It’s been suggested that the prince thought he had diplomatic immunity and that his status could save him. Some of Justice Bean’s final words will surely stay with al Saud as he begins his incarceration: “No-one in this country is above the law.” (Via BBC)