Croydon woman’s body was cut up with power tools, court told

Police are continuing to search for the body parts of a Croydon woman who was allegedly murdered and cut up with power tools last month, the Old Bailey has been told.

The ongoing search for the remains of Sarah Mayhew, who was 38, was revealed when a man and a woman appeared before the court charged with her murder.

Some parts of Ms Mayhew’s body were found in Rowdown Fields, a public park in New Addington, Croydon, after police were called to the scene on April 2. Her identity was officially confirmed by the Metropolitan Police on April 9.

Tom Little KC, prosecuting, said there was an “ongoing investigation in relation to the whereabouts of the entirety of the deceased’s body”.

Gemma Watts, 48, and Steven Sansom, 44, were arrested on Saturday. They were later charged with Ms Mayhew’s murder and preventing a lawful and decent burial.

On Thursday, Ms Watts, of Featherbed Lane, New Addington, appeared before Judge Philip Katz KC by video link from Bronzefield Prison. She appeared to have a dark bruise around her eye and spoke only to confirm her identity.

The court heard that she and Mr Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, south-west London, are alleged to have killed Ms Mayhew at a residential property on the night of March 8.

Afterwards, prosecutors allege, Mr Sansom and Ms Watts cut up the body with power tools and disposed of her remains in the park.

“The deceased’s body was certainly cut up in parts with the use of power tools,” said Mr Little.

Judge Katz set a plea hearing for June 27 and a provisional four-week trial from Feb 17 next year. He remanded Ms Watts in custody.

The court was told that Mr Sansom was due to appear at 2pm on Thursday. He faces three separate charges of making indecent images of a child.