A man who raped and murdered his ex-fiancée at a luxury Surrey hotel has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years. The victim's family branded James Cartwright an "evil, controlling, manipulative predator" following his sentencing.
The body of Samantha Mickleburgh, 54, was discovered at the five-star Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot on April 14 last year. Her loved ones described her as their "champagne girl" who lit up every room she walked into.
Jury reaches unanimous verdict
Cartwright, 61, was unanimously convicted last month after just one afternoon of jury deliberation for raping and murdering the mother-of-two during their stay at the hotel. He was acquitted of a further charge of controlling and coercive behaviour.
Prosecutor Louise Oakley argued that during his relationship with Mickleburgh, Cartwright's conduct was "cruel, repressive and overbearing". The court heard evidence of his manipulative behaviour throughout their time together.
Judge highlights victim's qualities
Sentencing the defendant at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, Mr Justice Murray told Cartwright that Mickleburgh's family had described her wonderful qualities as a daughter, mother and sister. He said she was caring, thoughtful, fun, well-organised, generous to a fault and devoted to her family.
The judge acknowledged the profound impact on the victim's family, telling the court: "Samantha's family suffer a grief that those who have not experienced it cannot imagine. It lies beyond words to fully describe."
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
