A man who murdered 58-year-old Rita Lambourne in her Bexhill home has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 31 years.
Donald Excell, 50, a British national of Seabourne Road, Bexhill, was sentenced at Hove Crown Court on Thursday, May 28.
Rita was fatally wounded at an address in Bayencourt South on the evening of 12 February 2025, at around 9.30pm. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, she was sadly confirmed deceased at the scene.
The jury heard how Excell, a cousin of Rita’s, entered her home that night and attacked her with an axe, causing fatal injuries.
Using extensive CCTV footage, police were able to track Excell’s movements in the hours before and after the attack, which ultimately led to his identification and arrest. During police interviews, Excell answered “no comment” to most questions.
Officers were initially unable to locate the weapon, clothing or bag used during the murder. However, on 20 September, the investigation took a significant turn when some teenage boys discovered a rucksack when fishing at a lake north of Bexhill. Inside the bag they found clothing and a sheath for an axe, along with a sandbag used to weigh the bag down. Following a search of the lake, officers later discovered an axe.
Subsequent financial enquiries revealed that Excell had purchased an axe and a leather axe sheath in 2019, both delivered to his home address. Expert analysis confirmed that the wounds sustained by Rita were consistent with an axe of that size.
Donald Excell was arrested on 14 February and charged with murder and possession of a weapon in a public place. Following a trial at Hove Crown Court, that concluded on Friday, 19 December, he was found guilty by a unanimous jury on both counts.
Excell also pleaded guilty to an unrelated assault on his father at a previous hearing in August 2025.
He was remanded in custody and appeared before the same court on Thursday, 28 May, where he was setenced.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This has been an extremely distressing case for everyone involved, particularly Rita’s family and friends, as well as the wider community.
“The sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of Excell’s actions and the strength of the evidence gathered during the investigation.
“We hope this outcome provides some measure of closure for those who loved Rita. Our thoughts remain firmly with her family, and we thank them for their courage, patience and dignity throughout this incredibly difficult time.”
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