Gemma Watts and Steve Samson appeared in Bromley Magistrates’ Court today, charged with the murder of Sarah Mayhew, whose remains were discovered in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, just after Easter.
Forensic search: the police combed through Rowdown Fields for much of last week
Watts, 48, from Holmbury Grove, Forestdale (and not as previously identified by the Metropolitan Police), and Samson, 44, of Burnell Road, Sutton, were arrested by detectives on Saturday.
They appeared via video link from Lewisham police station, and were charged with murder and the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of a body.
The court heard that the murder had taken place at some point between March 8 and April 2.
Watts appeared to have a black eye.
Both accused spoke only to confirm their names at the start of the hearing.
Samson has also been charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child, which which prosecutor Jessica Kang told the court were alleged to be “linked” in nature to the other charges.
“The nature of the images does make them linked to this offending,” Kang told the court.
“The downloads of the phone were done at the same time.”
After hearing more details on the allegations, District Judge Roy Brown said: “I will accept for the purposes of these proceedings that the matters are linked.”
The case has been sent to be heard at the Old Bailey this Thursday, where Watts and Samson are expected to make their pleas. Both remain in custody.
“Your cases are being sent to the Central Criminal Court for a pre-trial preparation hearing on April 11,” Judge Brown said.
The family of 38-year-old Sarah Mayhew have been informed of the charges and officers remain in close contact as they support them through this extremely difficult time.
Victim: Sarah Mayhew
Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, who leads policing in Croydon, said: “I would like to thank the detectives and officers across the Met whose expertise continues to enable this speedy and thorough investigation.
“The local community has also offered much support during this time, as officers carried out this vital work, and we are very appreciative of their efforts.
“My sincere condolences are with Sarah’s family, and we will continue to support them as the investigation progresses.”
- Anyone with information that may assist the investigation who has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1656/02Apr
6pm UPDATE: Additional details relating to the charges, and the name of one of the accused amended from the original briefing provided by the Metropolitan Police.
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My heart just goes out to Sarah’s family. 😢
so sad 🙁 heartbreaking
For the avoidance of any doubt, we are not allowed to publish any speculation about the accuseds’ past which might prejudice a jury in their trial.
So we shan’t be publishing any comments which might stray into that area.
It’s a 19th Century law in a 21st Century media environment, but it nonetheless needs to be respected.
Thanks for your understanding.