Body cut up with power tools, Old Bailey hears

A woman’s body found in a south London park was hacked up with power tools. the Old Bailey heard.

Some of the remains of Sarah Mayhew, 38, from Croydon, were found in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, last week.

Gemma Watts, 48, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link previously charged with her murder.

Steven Sansom, 44, is also charged with Ms Mayhew’s murder and is due to appear at the same court later on Thursday.

They are also accused of obstructing her lawful and decent burial.

Mrs Watts, of New Addington, Croydon, appeared via video link from HMP Bronzefield, speaking only to confirm her identity.

Both she and Mr Sansom, of Sutton, south London, allegedly killed Ms Mayhew at a residential property on the night of March 8.

The court heard that Ms Mayhew’s body was then cut up and dumped in the park.

Prosecutor Tom Little KC said there was “an ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of the entire body of the deceased”.

“Certainly the body of the deceased was cut into parts using power tools,” he told the court.

Judge Philip Katz set a plea hearing for June 27 and a four-week preliminary trial starting on February 17 before remanding Ms Watts.

The court was told Mr Sansom will appear at the same court on Thursday afternoon.

He also faces three separate charges of making indecent images of a child.

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