The ex-partner of Samantha Mickleburgh, 54, has today (8 August 2025), been sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in prison after being found guilty of her rape and murder at Guildford Crown Court.

James Cartwright, 61, DOB 13/04/1964, from Axminster in Devon, was convicted last Thursday (31 July), following a three-and-a-half-week trial. At sentencing, he was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 28 years for her murder and nine years for rape to run concurrently.

During the trial, the court heard how Samantha, 54, also from Axminster in Devon, had accompanied Cartwright to the Pennyhill Park Hotel last April for his 60th birthday, as she had promised him she would and she believed he had nobody else to go with.

Samantha, who had ended the relationship and was looking to move on with her life after this final compassionate act, was instead raped and strangled by Cartwright in the early hours of 14 April.

Throughout the investigation and trial, Cartwright maintained his innocence, despite not providing any other explanation for Samantha’s fatal injuries.

Upon the guilty verdict, Samantha’s family paid tribute to her by saying:

“We as a family, are relieved that this has finally come to an end. That the defendant has been seen for who he truly is, a rapist and a murderer. No longer free to harm or control any more women.

“Unfortunately, it was too late for our beloved Daughter, Mother, Sister and friend. She truly was the best of us, the kindest light in all our lives and the hole left behind is one of such severe magnitude we will likely never escape it. Justice will not bring her back, but it has provided a form of closure on this dark chapter and security in the knowledge that James Cartwright will remain in the safest place for everyone.

“Samantha wouldn’t want to be known as a victim. She would want to be known for her passion for life, her class and beautiful style, her honesty, integrity, strength and dedication to all who knew her.

“We continue to ask for privacy as we navigate what it means to live in a world without Samantha and her incredible personality and love.”

More information about the case can be found here.