Sarah Mayhew was last seen alive on March 8 and the search for her remaining body parts is ongoing
“March 8 is when Ms. Mayhew was last seen alive. She departed from [someone’s] residence around 8:00 p.m. She had on a beige coat and rucksack. That night, she had last spoken to her father via WhatsApp. At 8:30 p.m., Mr. Smith stated, “Cameo footage shows her at a store, carrying a bag and a coat.”
Mr. Smith went on to describe what happened when her remains were found: “On April 2, [a member of the public] was walking his dog across fields in Croydon. The dog discovered a bone, and more bones—including the skull, limbs, and legs—were discovered close by. Power tools had been used to hack up the body. The torso is still absent.
Mr. Smith went on to describe what happened when her remains were found: “On April 2, [a member of the public] was walking his dog across fields in Croydon. The dog discovered a bone, and more bones—including the skull, limbs, and legs—were discovered close by. Power tools had been used to hack up the body. The torso is still absent.
Judge Ian Katz KC scheduled a provisional trial for February 17, 2025, and a plea hearing for June 27 of this year. Judge Katz questioned Mr. Sansom, “Do you understand what I have said to you, Mr. Sansom?” at the end of the hearing, to which he answered, “Yes, your honour.”
Co-defendant Gemma Watts made her appearance on Thursday morning via video link from HMP Bronzefield; her only statement was to validate her name. The 48-year-old, who lives on Featherbed Lane on the Croydon border between Forestdale and New Addington, is charged with Sarah’s murder and an untimely burial. She also seemed to have a dark bruise around one of her eyes.
The prosecutor, Tom Little KC, stated: “There is quite a significant ongoing investigation in relation to whereabouts of the entirety of the deceased’s body on the basis the her body was certainly cut up into a number of parts with the use of power tools.”
The prosecutor, Tom Little KC, stated: “There is quite a significant ongoing investigation in relation to whereabouts of the entirety of the deceased’s body on the basis the her body was certainly cut up into a number of parts with the use of power tools.”
The charges follow the Met Police’s opening of a murder investigation following a call at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, regarding the discovery of human remains on Rowdown Fields in New Addington. According to a spokeswoman for the Met Police, Sarah’s family is receiving support during this “very difficult time.”
Commander Andy Brittain, who oversees Croydon police, stated on Tuesday morning, April 9: “I would like to thank the detectives and officers across the Met whose expertise continues to enable this speedy and thorough investigation.”
“We are very grateful for the support the local community has given us while the officers have been performing this important task. My deepest sympathies are with Sarah’s family, and we will be there for them while the inquiry goes on.
