A MONSTER has been found guilty of raping and murdering his ex-fiancee at a luxury hotel after he lured her to a “final farewell” dinner.
Samantha Mickleburgh arranged to stay with James Cartwright because she “didn’t want him to feel lonely” for his 60th birthday.
James Cartwright has been found guilty of murdering his ex
Surrey PoliceSamantha was discovered dead in a hotel room[/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, 61, has now been found guilty of murder and rape following a trial but was cleared of controlling or coercive behaviour.
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.”
During the trial, 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.”
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 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”.
Cartwright was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on August 8.
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