An estate agency director appeared in court yesterday to please not guilty to murdering his fiancée at a luxury hotel in Bagshot earlier this year.

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 19 April.

The 60-year-old estate agent was remanded in police custody and appeared at Guildford Crown Court dressed in a grey prison issue sweatshirt. Cartwright spoke only to confirm his name and plead not guilty to both charges when he appeared before the judge.

Police were dispatched to the Surrey retreat in April after Cartwright alerted medics that his fiancée 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.

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

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 added: “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.”