Grim details emerge of how Sarah Mayhew was murdered and dumped in park

Detectives investigating the murder of Sarah Mayhew are still trying to find some of her body parts after she was dismembered with power tools, the Old Bailey heard today.

The 38-year-old’s remains were discovered in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, Croydon, on April 2.

Steven Sansom, 44, and Gemma Watts, 48, are charged with murdering Sarah three weeks earlier on March 8 as well as prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body.

Watts, of Featherbed Lane in New Addington, appeared first by video link from Bronzefield prison.

She appeared to have a dark bruise around her eye and spoke only to confirm her identity.

Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, is due to appear in the same court this afternoon.

He is also charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child.

Prosecutor Tom Little, KC, said: ‘There is quite a significant ongoing investigation in relation to the whereabouts of the entirety of the deceased’s body on the basis the deceased’s body was certainly cut up into a number of parts with the use of power tools.’

Judge Philip Katz KC remanded Watts in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 27.

A provisional trial date was set for February 17 next year.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe earlier said: ‘My thoughts are with Sarah’s family as they deal with this heartbreaking news.

‘No family should have to lose a loved one in such tragic circumstances, and we will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses.’

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