Steve Samson and Gemma Watts were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder and dismemberment of Sarah Mayhew, whose body was found disposed of across south London. At the Old Bailey on January 30, 2025, Samson, 45, received a whole life order, indicating he will never be released. His partner, 49-year-old Watts, was sentenced to at least 30 years behind bars.
This grisly crime began on March 8, 2024, when Sarah Mayhew, 38, was last seen on CCTV entering Samson's ground-floor flat, situated in Sutton. According to reports, she had known Samson for some time after meeting him on a dating site. Tragically, Mayhew never left the premises alive. The judge noted, "[Ms Mayhew’s] fear and suffering must have been acute as she realised why she was there and what was happening.”
After the murder, the couple showed shocking disregard for her remains, dismembering her body and disposing of parts at various locations, including Rowdown Fields and the River Wandle. Detective Chief Inspector Martin Thorpe, leading the investigation, remarked, "Their sick and twisted desires were heard in court by her family,” reflecting the predatory nature of the defendants.
The Court heard how the murderous plan, filled with depraved sexual motives, was elaborately discussed between the pair beforehand. A chilling exchange found on Samson’s phone illustrated their intentions: when he planned to invite Mayhew over, Watts responded, "only if it’s a deal she ain’t leaving in one piece," to which Samson replied, "okay." This exchange, along with other messages found during the investigation, underscored the sadistic nature of their crime.
Following the horrific events, dismembered parts of Mayhew were discovered on April 2, 2024, over three weeks later, by a member of the public walking their dog. Initial examinations confirmed these remains were linked to Mayhew, leading investigators to unravel the gruesome details of her death.
Further evidence collected pointed to extensive preparations made before and after the murder. CCTV footage captured Samson purchasing tools consistent with the dismemberment, including hacksaw blades and buckets, just two days following the murder. Similarly, Watts was observed buying cleaning supplies, underscoring the premeditated and planned nature of their actions.
Trapped within her own ordeal, Sarah Mayhew lived with two children, ages 15 and 12 at the time of her death. Her family expressed their anguish during the hearing. Reflecting the pain of losing his daughter, David Mayhew stated, "Whatever sentence you may receive will never compare to the pain you have caused us. I ask myself the same question all the time, why did you have to kill her – maybe I will never know?"
Indeed, it was revealed during the trial proceedings, Samson, who was released on licence for the murder of another individual back in 1999, attempted to rationalize his heinous actions by claiming, "We’re not evil, we done the world a service.” Such bizarre justifications reflect not only his lack of remorse but potentially his delusional mindset.
Before the murder, texts exchanged between the couple frequently communicated violent fantasies including themes of humiliation and bloodlust. The prosecution emphasized how this twisted longing translated from mere fantasy to brutal reality within the confines of Samson’s flat.
Court documents disturbingly revealed Watts even penned notes, stating: "Should any serious injury or even death occur whilst I am with Steven Sansom let it be made fully understood…that I enter the act of violent, dangerous sex games with Steven Samson of my own free will.”
Despite rendering guilty pleas for murder and perverting the course of justice, the pair displayed no remorse. The judge, Mrs Justice Cutts, emphasized how Mayhew was lured to her death, noting, "She was an innocent woman lured to this flat to die so you could both act out your bloodthirsty and wicked fantasy.”
Though the sentencing brings some closure to Mayhew's family, it does little to compensate for the enduring trauma inflicted by the loss of Sarah. Her mother, Angela Mayhew, poignantly remarked, "It breaks my heart she is not around,” echoing the deep loss felt by family and friends.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Justice has initiated a serious offence review to address the circumstances surrounding the defendant's prior release.
This tragic case stands as a chilling reminder of the dark undercurrents underlying societal interactions and the dangers posed by those who harbor twisted, sadistic fantasies.