Murder trial told accused wrote of his 'heartbreak'

> Samantha Mickleburgh, from Devon, died at a hotel in Surrey last April

- CATHERINE WYLIE Press Association

A MAN who allegedly murdered his ex-fiancee after she arranged to celebrate his 60th birthday with him at a luxury hotel posted on Facebook about his heartbreak and devastation, a court has heard.

Samantha Mickleburgh, from Axminster in Devon, was found dead at the Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, on the morning of April 14 last year.

James Cartwright, 61, of no fixed address, is standing trial at Guildford Crown Court accused of raping and murdering Ms Mickleburgh between April 12 and April 14 last year.

He also denies one count of controlling and coercive behaviour between May 1 2022 and April 14 2024.

During the ongoing trial on Friday, prosecutor Louise Oakley read out a Facebook post written by Cartwright on April 15 2024.