In a chilling turn of events, a convicted murderer has once again committed a heinous crime.
Steven Sansom, 45, has confessed to killing 38-year-old Sarah Mayhew, followed by a gruesome dismemberment of her body using power tools.
In a desperate attempt to evade another prison sentence, he disposed of her remains across a nine-mile stretch, including a river and parkland.
This unsettling case has unfolded in the Old Bailey, revealing the dark history of Sansom’s violent past.
A Disturbing Past
Sansom’s criminal record dates back 25 years, when he was just 19 years old.
He pleaded guilty to murdering a taxi driver, Terrence Boyle, in 1998 over a mere £25.
After stabbing Boyle in the neck, Sansom was sentenced to life in prison in May 1999, serving two decades before his release in December 2019.
At the time of the latest crime, Sansom was under the supervision of the Probation Service, raising questions about the effectiveness of monitoring released offenders.
The Night of the Crime
The timeline of Sarah Mayhew’s tragic end began on the evening of March 7, when she was last seen leaving with Sansom to his home.
Days later, on April 2, a dog owner in Rowdown Fields, New Addington, Croydon, made a horrifying discovery when his pet returned with a human bone.
Subsequent police investigations led to the recovery of Mayhew’s dismembered head, arms, and legs.
Further remains were located in the River Wandle on May 21. It was revealed that Mayhew had sustained severe bruising to her skull, and her head had been shaved.
Arrest and Guilty Plea
Sansom was arrested four days after the discovery of the remains and showed no emotion as he appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh to enter his guilty plea.
Wearing glasses and a grey T-shirt, he admitted to several charges, including perverting the course of justice by dismembering Mayhew and disposing of her body parts in various locations.
Prosecutor Joel Smith KC outlined the chilling details, stating that the victim’s remains had been cut up with power tools.
A History of Violence
The prosecutor highlighted Sansom’s prior conviction for murder, drawing parallels between the two crimes.
In his first offense, he attacked cab driver Terrence Boyle, stabbing him multiple times on Christmas Eve in 1998.
Boyle, described as a gentle and caring family man, died in a doorway after trying to escape his attacker.
Sansom, covered in blood, bragged to friends about the stabbing, indicating a disturbing lack of remorse.
Life After Prison
Following his release, Sansom shared emotional moments on social media about reconnecting with his children, including a heartfelt message about speaking to his daughter for the first time.
However, this brief period of normalcy was soon overshadowed by his troubling behavior, which included posting sexual messages.
The court also noted that he faced charges related to making indecent images shortly after Mayhew’s murder, although these charges will remain on file.
Companions in Crime
In a shocking twist, Sansom’s girlfriend, 49-year-old Gemma Watts, has also been charged with the murder of Sarah Mayhew.
She has yet to enter a plea, leaving many to wonder what further details will emerge as this harrowing case unfolds.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this gruesome crime, the focus now shifts to the legal proceedings and the questions surrounding public safety regarding released offenders.