Wealthy estate agent, 60, pleads not guilty to murdering his ex-fiancée, 54, whose lifeless body was found at luxury five-star hotel used by England football and rugby teams

A company director has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his ex-fiancée who was found dead in a luxury hotel popular with the England rugby team.

James Cartwright, 60, is accused of killing Samantha Mickleburgh, 54 and of controlling and coercive behaviour in the weeks running up to her death.

Guildford Crown Court heard this included sending her 'texts, flowers, gifts and listening into her phone calls causing her alarm and distress'.

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 called to the luxury five-star hotel near Bagshot, Surrey, in April after Cartwright called emergency services to say he had found Samantha dead in bed.

At an earlier hearing it emerged the pair had met on a dating website in September 2022 before moving in together in March last year.

The pair were at Pennyhill Park - where the England rugby team train – for Cartwright's 60th birthday.

Ms Mickleburgh was found naked, face up with a pool of blood close by, the court heard.

Former Harrow School pupil Cartwright, of Axminster, Devon, listened intently to the proceedings and nodded his head when asked if he understood.

He was clean shaven and accompanied in the dock by a female prison officer for the hearing which lasted about twenty minutes.

Her Honour Judge Patricia Lees explained that by pleading not guilty he had waived the possibility of having ten precent knocked of his sentence if he was later found guilty.

Pennyhill Park is a 19th century hotel set in 120 acres of countryside and its 123 rooms can cost up to £12,00 a night.

The England rugby team are regulars and used it for training ahead of the Six Nations and are there this week ahead of their tour to Japan.

Facilities include a Michelin-starred restaurant and spa with indoor and outdoor pols.

Following her death her family issued a moving statement to Ms Mickleburgh, who was an entrepreneur and member of the Confederation of British Industry.

They said: '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 are devastated by the loss of Samatha, an incredible mother, beautiful, much cherished daughter, and friend.'