A MONSTER who raped and murdered his ex-fiancee in a hotel after luring her to a “final farewell” birthday meal has been jailed.
Samantha Mickleburgh arranged to stay with James Cartwright because she “didn’t want him to feel lonely” for his 60th birthday.
James Cartwright murdered his ex Samantha Mickleburgh at a hotel
PAThe killer has been jailed for life[/caption]
The mum-of-two, 54, was later discovered dead at the swanky Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, on April 14 last year.
Cartwright has now been jailed for life with a minimum of 28 years after he was convicted of murder and rape.
In a victim impact statement, Tracey Carter, one of Samantha’s sisters, said: “Our family welcomed you into our homes and hearts and you violated that trust and kindness. You spent Christmas and other special occasions with (the family).
“I will never understand why you thought you had the right to do the horrific things that you did to Sam.
“I wish she had never met you.
“Did you feel proud of yourself when you lied to my father, saying that Sam had died in her sleep knowing full well the horror that you had put her through?
“Do you take some kind of sadistic enjoyment in your lies? You have caused an indescribable amount of pain and suffering to our family but know this: we are strong and you cannot break us, you cannot take Sam from us.
“I believe you are a monster – an evil, controlling, manipulative predator who really thought you were clever enough to get away with murder, my sister’s murder.”
Guildford Crown Court heard Samantha and Cartwright started their “whirlwind” romance in 2022 and got engaged a year later.
After they split, Cartwright continued to pursue his ex – showing up at her home unannounced and “bombarding” her with calls.
Prosecutor Louise Oakley said: “She didn’t wish him any ill, but she no longer wanted to live with him and no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him.
“But part of her also felt bad for him, believing that he had no one else to spend that day with.
“As a result, she had arranged a celebratory meal and stay at Penny Hill Park and Spa, and in a final act of selflessness, she honoured that commitment despite telling friends and family that the relationship was over.”
Jurors heard Cartwright had lent Samantha tens of thousands of pounds to help renovate a property she had bought in early 2023.
He claimed she owed him around £100,000 at the time of her death.
Leading up to the horror, Cartwright told a woman he was speaking to on Bumble about an upcoming dinner with his ex, which he said had the “feel of a final goodbye”.
Another chilling message described it as “the last goodbye”.
The former couple headed out for a six course tasting menu at the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant The Latymer on the evening of April 13.
During the meal, staff observed Samantha appeared unwell and “looked more and more sleepy” and at points “looked like she was sleeping”.
They paid their bill and left the restaurant at around 10.30pm, with CCTV footage showing the two walking back to their room a few minutes after.
“This is the last time Samantha Mickleburgh was seen alive.”
Cartwright phoned 999 at around 8.30am claiming he discovered Samantha dead in bed beside him.
A post-mortem found she had sustained “a significant head injury” as well as fractures to bones in her neck – consistent with signs of strangulation.
The killer claimed his ex-fiance “perked up” after they left the restaurant.
He also later told police the two had consensual sex before “falling asleep in each other’s arms”.
Domestic abuse – how to get help
DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.
Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:
Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to
Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you
Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.
Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.
If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:
The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night
Men who are being abused can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244
Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999
Remember, you are not alone.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
Cartwright was cleared of controlling and coercive behaviour.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Debbie Birch said; “Firstly, I would like to say that our thoughts and condolences remain with Samantha’s friends and family at this extremely difficult time.
“Through our extensive investigation into her death, we got to know the Samantha’s character well and what stood out was the overwhelming sense from her loved ones that she was an extremely kind, thoughtful and compassionate person.
“She had felt guilty about ending her relationship with Cartwright and she had always followed through on her promises – this trip was meant to be one last kindness before she moved on with her life.
“Tragically, Cartwright ensured that she was never able to do this. His control and possessiveness meant he couldn’t bear to let her go, despite having another girlfriend at the time.
“He callously murdered her and has never admitted responsibility or shown any remorse, but the jury saw him for what he is and has found him guilty.”
PASamantha was discovered dead in a hotel room[/caption]
The former couple had a meal together at the Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot
Cartwright claimed he woke up to find Samantha dead Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
