The Tragic Death of Samantha Mickleburgh and the Controversial Actions of James Cartwright
A man accused of murdering his ex-fiancée at a luxury hotel was seen waving an ambulance goodbye as her body was taken away, according to testimony presented in court. The incident involved Samantha Mickleburgh, a 54-year-old mother of two from Axminster, Devon, who was found dead at the Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, on April 14 last year.
A Disturbing Scene Unveiled
The trial at Guildford Crown Court revealed that Mickleburgh had stayed in a twin room with James Cartwright, her ex-fiancé, the night before. She had done so because she “didn’t want him to feel lonely” on his birthday. However, the following morning, Cartwright called emergency services, claiming he had discovered her lifeless body next to him in bed.
James Pettitt, the guest relations manager at the hotel, provided detailed accounts of what happened when he and the ambulance crew entered the room. He described finding Cartwright completely naked and screaming in a “loud and exaggerated” manner. Mickleburgh was lying on the bed face up, with dry blood around her nose.
Pettitt witnessed the ambulance crew move her from the bed to the floor but decided not to perform CPR, as it was clear she had been dead for some time. Her body was then placed in a mortuary bag and carried to the ambulance van.
A Controversial Farewell
As the ambulance prepared to leave, Pettitt observed Cartwright walking behind the bag, making noises as if he were crying. However, he did not see any tears. The witness described Cartwright’s behavior as loud and focused on himself, with heavy breathing and panting. He followed the team around the hotel, sniffling and appearing insincere.
Cartwright then approached the back of the ambulance where Mickleburgh’s body had been placed. According to Pettitt, he began “feeling the bag,” seemingly assuming where her head was. He bent over, kissed the bag, kissed his fingers, and said “bye-bye.”
When asked if Cartwright physically waved the ambulance goodbye, Pettitt confirmed that he did so until the vehicle left the premises.
A Disturbing Discovery
After Mickleburgh’s body was taken away, Cartwright returned to the room and went through her handbag. He retrieved a car key and a piece of jewelry, which Pettitt described as “a diamond bracelet or necklace.” Cartwright reportedly told Pettitt, “I’ll take care of that,” according to the court.
When questioned about whether Cartwright offered an explanation for Mickleburgh’s death, Pettitt stated that Cartwright claimed she had rolled out of bed during the night, hitting her head on the bedside table and causing a nose bleed. He allegedly woke up to the sound of her falling and helped her back into bed. According to Cartwright, he pinched her nose to stop the bleeding, and no first aid was needed.
Legal Proceedings Continue
James Cartwright, 61, is currently on trial, accused of raping and murdering Mickleburgh between April 12 and April 14 last year. He also faces charges of controlling and coercive behavior between May 1, 2022, and April 14, 2024. Cartwright has denied all the allegations against him.
The trial continues, with further details expected to emerge as the case unfolds. The events surrounding Mickleburgh’s death have raised serious questions about the circumstances of her demise and the actions of those involved.
