A wealthy estate agent has appeared in court accused of murdering his ex-fiancee at a luxury hotel used by England’s football and rugby teams.
James Cartwright was arrested after the body of Samantha Mickleburgh, 54, was found in a £500-a-night room the couple had booked for her 60th birthday earlier this month.
Paramedics were called to the exclusive five-star Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, Surrey, on Sunday, April 14 after Samantha’s body was discovered when estate agent Cartwright called 999 saying he had “found her dead”.
Company director James Cartwright has appeared in court accused of murdering his ex-fiancee at a luxury hotel used by England’s football and rugby teams. Above: Cartwright with his ex-fiancee Samantha Mickleburgh
Cartwright was arrested after the body of Mickleburgh, 54, was found in a £500-a-night room the couple had booked for his 60th birthday earlier this month.
Prosecutor Gus Walter told the court the couple met through a dating agency in September 2022 and had planned to get married.
A hotel source revealed that a man and a woman arrived at the hotel last Friday.
The source said at the weekend: “The couple arrived on Friday and had also booked accommodation for the whole weekend with spa treatments.”
“They had been booked in for a massage that morning but they didn’t turn up and the staff didn’t even know it could be a murder because the management wanted it kept secret.”
“Staff were told there had been a death and nothing more, so when the news broke everyone was shocked, although the police were there all week but kept quiet.”
“The hotel prides itself on privacy and discretion and guests continue to check in and use the facilities, but none of them know what happened.
“The room where it happened is locked and that area is off-limits to everyone except police and management.”
Prosecutor Gus Walter told the court the couple met through a dating agency in September 2022 and had planned to get married.
Cartwright with Mrs Mickleburgh, who was found dead at the exclusive five-star Pennyhill Park hotel
Cartwright, from Axminster, Devon, spoke to confirm his name and age and was wearing a padded jacket and gray trousers.
A police car outside the Pennyhill Park hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, after the incident.
Paramedics were called to the hotel (above) before police were alerted.
Pennyhill Park, near Bagshot, includes 120 acres of parkland which was used by the England rugby team for training ahead of the Six Nations.
Detective Inspector Debbie Birch, senior investigating officer, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time.
“The investigation is in the early phases and a team of specialized agents is working day and night to follow up on the investigations.”
Pennyhill Park, which is set in 120 acres of parkland near Bagshot, is described as “Surrey’s most luxurious spa and retreat hotel” and is located around two miles from Bagshot Park, where Prince Edward, Duke, lives. from Edinburgh.
Cartwright, from Axminster, Devon, spoke to confirm his name and age and was wearing a padded jacket and gray trousers. He was arrested the day after the autopsy.
He was charged with murder and controlling and coercive behavior and remained in custody until his next appearance at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday.