An estate agency director appeared in court yesterday accused of murdering his fiancee at a luxury hotel in Bagshot.

James Cartwright from Axminster, Devon, was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and the murder of Samantha Mickleburgh, 54, at the Pennyhill Park Hotel after being arrested on Friday.

The 60-year-old estate agent was remanded in police custody and yesterday appeared at Guildford Magistrates Court.

Police were dispatched to the Surrey retreat last Friday after Cartwright alerted medics that his fiancee was unconscious. It has been reported that Mickleburgh was found naked, face up in a pool of blood the next morning.

The couple had then stayed the night at the Bagshot hotel to celebrate Cartwright’s 60th birthday.

Cartwright and Mickleburgh met each other on a dating website in September 2022 and moved in together in March, six months later.

Appearing in court yesterday, Cartwright spoke only to confirm his personal details. He will next appear at Guildford Crown Court tomorrow.

A post-mortem found deep bruising to Mickleburgh’s neck and skull.

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Debbie Birch said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time.

“The investigation is in the early stages and a specialist team of officers are working around the clock to follow up enquiries.”

In a statement following her death, Mickleburgh’s family said: “We are devastated by the loss of Samantha, an incredible mother, beautiful, much cherished daughter, and friend.

“Loved by many, she was a true example of class, integrity, and dedication to those around her. Lighting up any room she entered with her vivacious personality and endearing smile.

“No words can truly capture all her beloved qualities and nothing will ever fill the hole left in the lives of those who loved her.”

Her two children said: “Nothing can prepare you to face the world without your parents at a young age. Our mother had been both parents to us since the loss of our father and she was doing such an amazing job at it. No finer example of a Mum could there be, we will feel the loss in every aspect of our lives.

“We are grateful to be such a close family and for the support we continue to receive from those who knew Samantha.“We as a family wish for privacy at this impossibly difficult time.”