Man Jailed for 23 Years Over Murder of On-Off Partner
Dane Messam has been handed a minimum 23-year prison sentence after being found guilty of murdering his on-off partner, Helen Anderson.
Tragic Discovery in Guildford Woods
Helen, 41, was found dead in a secluded wooded area near the A3 in Guildford on 23 August 2021. Her body was wrapped in a duvet and plastic sheeting. The discovery sparked an immediate murder investigation led by Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.
Cold Betrayal and Failed Escape
Messam, 52, from Finsbury Park, London, denied involvement throughout the trial. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers condemned his actions, saying: “This was a tragic case where a woman lost her life at the hands of a man she loved who abused her trust.”
Messam allegedly left Helen’s body in Surrey, a place she had no ties to, hoping the crime would go unnoticed while he made plans to flee the country. Police discovered he had cancelled Helen’s return flight to Jamaica on the day her body was found and tried to clean his bus before a failed escape attempt.
Persistent Police Work Leads to Arrest
- Messam was caught driving his double-decker bus out of London on 25 August 2021.
- He was arrested at a petrol station near Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- Two other men arrested in connection were later released without charges.
While in custody, Messam reportedly said: “I’m going to prison for this and I don’t ******* care. I do care but there’s only so much somebody can take.”
Family Left Heartbroken
Helen’s family, who praised her as a “dear sister and daughter” with a “big heart,” showed remarkable courage throughout the investigation and trial.
Detective Inspector Vickers added: “I am extremely proud of the officers involved for their work in ensuring Messam is now behind bars where he belongs.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, support is available. Visit Surrey Police’s support services for help.
