Convicted killer admits murdering woman, 38, whose dismembered remains were found in park and by river

A CONVICTED killer today admitted murdering a woman whose dismembered remains were discovered in a park and by a river.

Remains belonging to Sarah Mayhew, 38, were first discovered in Rowdown Fields, Croydon , on April 2 this year.

Central News

Her “limbless torso” was pulled from the River Wandle by contractors carrying out cleaning work the following month.

Steven Sansom, 45, today pleaded guilty to murder and perverting the course of justice.

The monster killed Sarah in his home and chopped up her body using power tools.

He then scattered her remains across various locations in South London before cleaning up the crime scene.

His girlfriend Gemma Watts, 48, is also charged with murdering Sarah between March 7 and April 3 but she did not enter a plea today.

It can now be revealed Sansom was previously convicted of murder and was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years in 1999.

He stabbed popular cab driver Terrence Boyle, 59, in the throat and back before escaping with just £25 on Christmas Eve 1998.

Sansom was released from jail in December 2019.

Sarah was last seen alive in Sutton, South West London, on the evening of March 8.

Her head, arms and legs were found in the park when a dog walking in the fields returned to its owner carrying a human bone.

Then, on May 21, further body parts were discovered in Mitcham.

Sansom denied three counts of making indecent images but the prosecution said those charges will lie on the file.

Watts’ trial is due to take place on April 29, with a further hearing for both defendants scheduled for November 15.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe earlier said: “My thoughts are with Sarah’s family as they deal with this heartbreaking news .

“No family should have to lose a loved one in such tragic circumstances, and we will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses.”

Central News

PA

Central News

PA