The family of Samantha Mickleburgh, a 54-year-old mother-of-two murdered by her ex-fiancé James Cartwright at a luxury Surrey hotel, have expressed relief that he is “no longer free to harm” other women. Cartwright, 61, was convicted of murder and rape at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday after a trial.
The court heard that Ms Mickleburgh, from Axminster in Devon, had agreed to share a twin room with Cartwright at the five-star Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot because she “didn’t want him to feel lonely” on his birthday. Her body was found on April 14 last year. Cartwright had phoned 999 claiming he discovered her dead beside him.
In a statement through Surrey Police, Ms Mickleburgh’s family said: “We are relieved that this has finally come to an end. That the defendant has been seen for who he truly is, a rapist and a murderer. No longer free to harm or control any more women.” They described her as “the kindest light in all our lives” and said justice “will not bring her back, but it has provided a form of closure”.
Cartwright claimed during the trial that Ms Mickleburgh died after falling out of bed, but the Crown Prosecution Service said this was part of his “web of lies”. Senior Crown Prosecutor Moses Koroma said: “It was clear from the forensic evidence that Samantha had been murdered. She was strangled and had a significant head injury.”
Detective Inspector Debbie Birch added: “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. He callously murdered her and has never admitted responsibility or shown any remorse.”
Cartwright, who did not react to the verdict, was remanded in custody. Sentencing is set for August 8. The jury also acquitted him of controlling and coercive behaviour.
