Chilling mugshots of Steve Sansom and Gemma Watts have been released after the pair were sentenced for the brutal murder of Sarah Mayhew, a 38-year-old mum from New Addington.
Sansom, 45, has been handed a whole life order, meaning he will die behind bars, while Watts, 49, has been sentenced to life with a minimum term of 30 years for her role in the killing.
A Twisted Relationship and a Brutal Murder
The pair’s disturbing relationship was exposed during their sentencing at the Old Bailey on Thursday, January 30, where prosecutors revealed explicit messages between them detailing their “bloodthirsty and wicked fantasies,” which included references to bestiality, humiliation, and causing pain.
On April 6, 2024, Sansom was arrested in connection with the murder of Sarah Mayhew at his Burnell Road flat in Sutton. Hours later, police stopped Watts as she tried to enter the home. Noticing her large black eye, officers questioned her, to which she shockingly admitted:
“Steve did it, we like to have kinky BDSM sex, and I like to be punched in the face.”
However, the true horror of what had unfolded in Sansom’s flat was yet to be discovered.
A History of Violence
Sansom had a dark past, having been released from prison in December 2019 after serving time for the 1998 Christmas Eve murder of Croydon cab driver Terrence Boyle.
The judge in his latest case ruled that his violent history and lack of remorse meant he would never be released from prison.
Watts, who admitted to slitting Sarah Mayhew’s throat, was sentenced to 30 years for murder and five years for perverting the course of justice, to run concurrently. If she is ever released, she will remain on licence for the rest of her life.
A ‘Sadistic’ Pair with No Remorse
During the sentencing, Mrs. Justice Cutts described their twisted relationship and sadistic nature, emphasizing that Sarah Mayhew stood no chance against their bloodthirsty fantasies.
Their sentencing has brought some closure to Sarah’s grieving loved ones, who continue to mourn the loss of a beloved mother and friend.
Authorities have urged anyone struggling with domestic abuse or coercive relationships to seek help, warning of the dangers of manipulative and violent individuals like Sansom and Watts.
