Man, 60, charged with murder after body found at luxury hotel

A 60-year-old man has been charged with murder after a woman’s body was found at a luxury hotel.

James Cartright was also charged with controlling and coercive behaviour after the body was found a week ago at the five-star Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, Surrey.

The hotel has been a regular venue for British rugby teams to train and to stay when preparing for big matches.

It is less than two miles from Bagshot Park, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

A spokesman for Surrey Police’s Major Crime Team said on Sunday: “A 60-year-old man has been charged in connection with the ongoing murder investigation in Bagshot.

“James Cartwright, of Axminster, in Devon was charged with murder and controlling and coercive behaviour after being arrested on Friday.

“He has been remanded in police custody to appear at Guildford magistrates’ court  on Monday.

“If anyone has any further information that may help us with our investigation, please contact us.”

The woman who died has not yet been named.

On Sunday, security remained tight at the luxury hotel in Bagshot, although police had almost completed their forensic searched.

Staff at the hotel were reluctant to talk about the death of the woman whose body was believed to have been found by a housekeeper last Sunday.

The hotel was sealed off by Surrey Police as forensic science officers were drafted in to harvest clues to the killing.

Police have not yet released the results of a Home Office pathologist’s post-mortem examination.

The police spokesman added: “Officers were called to the Pennyhill Park Hotel by South East Coast Ambulance Service following the discovery of the body of a woman aged in her 50s.

“Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

“An investigation, led by Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s Major Crime Team, is underway to establish the circumstances of the woman’s death. These inquiries remain ongoing.”

Senior investigating officer, Det Insp Debbie Birch, said: “The investigation is in the early stages and a specialist team of officers are working around the clock to follow up inquiries.”

The spokesman added: “If you have any information that may assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

England Rugby has regularly used the hotel complex for training prior to big matches, including the Six Nations earlier this year and the 2023 Rugby World Cup.