Sarah Mayhew killing: Body cut up with power tools, Old Bailey hears

BBC
·1 min read

The body of a woman found in a south London park was cut up with power tools. the Old Bailey has heard.

Some of the remains of Sarah Mayhew, 38, from Croydon, were found in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, last week.

Gemma Watts, 48, appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link earlier charged with her murder.

Steven Sansom, 44, is also accused of Ms Mayhew's murder and is due to appear at the same court later on Thursday.

They are also charged with preventing her lawful and decent burial.

Ms Watts, from New Addington, Croydon, appeared by video-link from HMP Bronzefield, speaking only to confirm her identity.

Both she and Mr Sansom, from Sutton in south London, are alleged to have killed Ms Mayhew at a residential property on the night of 8 March.

The court heard Ms Mayhew's body was then cut up then dumped in the park.

A police car at the scene
Ms Mayhew's remains were discovered earlier this month [BBC]

Prosecutor Tom Little KC said there was an "ongoing investigation in relation to the whereabouts of the entirety of the deceased's body".

"The deceased's body was certainly cut up in parts with use of power tools," he told the court.

Judge Philip Katz set a plea hearing for 27 June, and a provisional four-week trial from 17 February, before remanding Ms Watts into custody.

The court was told that Mr Sansom would appear at the same court on Thursday afternoon.

He also faces three separate charges of making indecent images of a child.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hellobbclondon@bbc.co.uk