Sadistic Couple Jailed for Life After Dismembering Woman

A twisted couple, Steven Sansom, 45, and Gemma Watts, 49, have been sentenced to life in prison for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Sarah Mayhew, 38. The Old Bailey heard chilling details of their sadomasochistic relationship, including disturbing messages about cannibalism and sexual fantasies involving blood and death.

Sansom, who was already on life license for a 1998 murder, and Watts confessed to killing Mayhew and then perverting the course of justice by dismembering her body and disposing of the remains in various locations. CCTV footage revealed the pair purchasing a hacksaw, blades, a bucket, and cleaning supplies shortly after the murder.

The court was presented with horrifying evidence of the couple’s depraved fantasies. A voice note from Sansom declared, “Everyone looks like meat now…something to cut, something to bleed.” Watts responded with chilling comments about the taste of human flesh and disturbing visions of dead babies, which she claimed aroused her. They also exchanged messages discussing their sadomasochistic activities, with Watts even writing a letter absolving Sansom of responsibility should she be injured or killed during their violent sex games. These games included forced vomiting, beatings, and watching bestiality pornography. Their messages also revealed fantasies of sex covered in blood and a “doomed romance” pact to die together if caught.

Mayhew, who had met Sansom on a dating site, visited his flat on March 8, 2024, and was never seen alive again. The exact circumstances of her death remain unclear, but the prosecution argued that the couple’s messages suggested premeditation and a sadistic motive. Mayhew’s remains were discovered in Rowdown Fields in April 2024, after a dog walker found a human bone. The discovery led to the recovery of other body parts, while her torso was found later in the River Wandle.

Sansom received a whole life order, meaning he will never be released. Watts was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 30 years. Justice Cutts described the murder as “bloodthirsty and wicked,” emphasizing Mayhew’s fear and suffering. She also stated that there was a clear inference that the murder involved sexual and sadistic conduct.

Mayhew’s mother remembered her as a “beautiful, pretty girl,” expressing the heartbreak of her loss. Her father thanked the defendants for pleading guilty but acknowledged that no sentence could alleviate their pain. He questioned why they killed his daughter, a question he fears may never be answered.

The Ministry of Justice has launched a serious further offence review into the case, given Sansom’s prior murder conviction and subsequent release on license.