A man who raped and murdered his ex-fiancee at a luxury hotel in Surrey has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years, as the woman’s family branded him an “evil, controlling, manipulative predator”.

The body of Samantha Mickleburgh, 54, described by her loved ones as their “champagne girl” who lit up every room she walked in, was found at the five-star Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot on April 14 last year.

James Cartwright was unanimously convicted last month, after one afternoon of jury deliberation, of raping and murdering the mother-of-two during their stay at the hotel.

Cartwright, 61, was acquitted of a further charge of controlling and coercive behaviour, but prosecutor Louise Oakley argued that during his and Ms Mickleburgh’s relationship, Cartwright’s conduct was “cr

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