‘Body in park’ couple to face trial in April 2025

A couple accused of murdering a woman and dumping her body parts in a park after she was dismembered with power tools will face trial next April.

Sarah Mayhew’s remains were discovered in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, Croydon, on 2 April.

Steven Sansom, 45, and Gemma Watts (corr), 48, are charged with murdering Sarah, 38, between 7 March and 3 April and perverting the course of justice.

They are accused of perverting the course of justice by ‘dismembering’ the body, disposing the body parts in various locations and cleaning up the crime scene.

Ms Mayhew’s head, arms and legs were found by police who were called after a dog walking in the fields returned to its owner carrying a human bone.

Sansom is also charged with three counts of making indecent images between the same dates.

Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, appeared via video-link from HMP Belmarsh wearing a grey tshirt.

Watts, of Holmbury Grove, Croydon appeared in court via videolink from HMP Bronzefield wearing a grey jumper.

Their trial was moved to 29 April next year while their plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on 26 September.

Prosecutor Joel Smith, KC, earlier said: ‘On 2 April a gentleman was walking a dog across the field in Croydon. The dog discovered a human bone and the police were called.

‘A pair of arms and legs were found and the head which has been cut up using power tools.

‘The torso of the victim is missing.’

Further human remains were found in the River Wandle on 21 May.

Sansom and Watts were in a relationship, the court has heard.

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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