Hotel death woman 'slept during dinner', jury told

Samantha Mickleburgh was found dead at a hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, on 14 April 2024

A woman who died while celebrating her ex-fiance's birthday at a luxury hotel was seen suddenly falling asleep during dinner, a jury was told.

Samantha Mickleburgh was found dead at the Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, on 14 April 2024.

The 54-year-old mother of two, from Axminster, Devon, had arranged to stay in a twin room with James Cartwright because she "didn't want him to feel lonely" on his birthday.

Mr Cartwright, 61, of no fixed address, is standing trial at Guildford Crown Court accused of rape and murder.

He also denies one count of controlling and coercive behaviour.

The pair had booked a six-course menu at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant but they abruptly left halfway through after Ms Mickleburgh began falling asleep at the dinner table, the jury heard.

Elena Jabri, a waitress at the restaurant, told jurors she saw the pair leave and that Ms Mickleburgh was "struggling to stand", with Mr Cartwright physically supporting her.

"It seemed extremely sudden to me," Ms Jabri said, adding Ms Mickleburgh had appeared "very bubbly, chatty, and excited" on arrival at the restaurant.

Ms Jabri said she and other staff noticed a sudden change in Ms Mickleburgh's behaviour at around the time they served the third course.

"She was clinging to the sofa and her eyes were closing," she told jurors.

The pair had been celebrating Mr Cartwright's birthday at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot

"I asked if everything was okay with the food and she said she was just very full.

"I was asked by the gentleman [Mr Cartwright] to just leave the table and give them some time, so I just left.

"He seemed annoyed that I was at the table at that time," Ms Jabri added.

Asked whether it was normal behaviour for guests to leave during a meal, Ms Jabri replied: "No. It's a very expensive meal that was not refundable, so I had never really seen it before."

Ms Jabri informed reception staff about the pair's sudden departure from the restaurant.

Reception staff then called their room to ask if there was a problem with the food, the court heard.

Mr Cartwright answered the call at 22.55 BST saying that the food was "okay" and that they would not be returning to the restaurant, jurors were told.

The trial continues.

Additional reporting by PA Media.

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