Pictured: Wealthy estate agent, 60, with lover, 54, he is accused of murdering at luxury five-star hotel used by the England football and rugby teams – as he is remanded in custody after appearing in court
A wealthy estate agent has appeared in court accused of murdering his ex-fiancée at a luxury hotel used by the England football and rugby teams.
James Cartwright was arrested after the body of 54-year-old Samantha Mickleburgh was found in a £500-a-night room the couple had booked for his 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 and said he ‘found her dead’.
Company director James Cartwright has appeared in court accused of murdering his ex-fiancée at a luxury hotel used by the England football and rugby teams. Above: Cartwright with former fiancée Samantha Mickleburgh
Cartwright was arrested after the body of Mrs 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 planned to get married.
A source at the hotel revealed that a man and a woman arrived at the hotel last Friday.
The source said this weekend: ‘The couple had arrived on Friday and were also booked for the whole weekend with spa treatments.
‘They were booked for a massage that morning but didn’t show up and the staff didn’t even know it was a murder because management wanted it kept quiet.
‘The staff were told there had been a death and nothing else, so when the news broke everyone was shocked, even though the police had been there all week but it was kept very quiet.
‘The hotel prides itself on privacy and discretion and guests have still checked and used the facilities but no one knows what happened.
“The area where it happened has been closed off 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 planned to get married
Cartwright with Mrs Mickleburgh, who was found dead in the exclusive five-star Pennyhill Park hotel
Cartwright, from Axminster, Devon, confirmed his name and age and was dressed in 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 alerting police
Pennyhill Park near Bagshot includes 120 hectares of parkland used by the England rugby team for training ahead of the Six Nations
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Debbie Birch said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time.
‘The investigation is in its early stages and a specialist team of officers are working around the clock to monitor the investigations.’
Set in 300 acres of parkland near Bagshot, Pennyhill Park is described as ‘Surrey’s most luxurious spa and hotel retreat’ and is approximately two miles from Bagshot Park, home of Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh.
Cartwright, from Axminster, Devon, confirmed his name and age and was dressed in 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 was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday.