A man who was arrested after Surrey Police launched an investigation following the discovery of a woman's body in a luxury hotel has been charged with her murder.
The woman's body was found several days ago at the Pennyhill Park hotel in Bagshot - a five-star venue used by the England rugby squad when in training. She was said to be in her 50s.
James Cartwright, who turned 60 on April 13, of Axminster, has been charged with with murder and controlling and coercive behaviour after being arrested on Friday. He has been remanded in police custody to appear at Guildford Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Police officers were called to the hotel at 8.43am by South East Coast Ambulance Service, after the discovery of the body on Saturday April 14. Her family were informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Debbie Birch said on Friday: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time. The investigation is in the early stages and a specialist team of officers are working around the clock to follow up enquiries.”
It is believed that the victim and suspect were known to each other, Surrey Police said. An investigation, led by Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s Major Crime Team, is underway to establish how the woman died.
The hotel was sealed off by Surrey Police as forensic science officers were drafted in. The results of a Home Office pathologist's post mortem examination have yet been released.
A spokesman for Surrey Police previously said: "A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman at a hotel in Bagshot. Officers were called to the Pennyhill Park Hotel by South East Coast Ambulance Service following the discovery of the body of a woman aged in her 50s. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
"A 60-year-old man from Devon has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time. It is believed that the victim and suspect were known to each other. An investigation, led by Surrey Police and Sussex Police's Major Crime Team, is underway to establish the circumstances of the woman's death. These inquiries remain ongoing."
It emerged yesterday the investigation has developed with charged having been brought against the arrested man.
Pennyhill Park is used regularly by the English Rugby Team during important matches, including during their Six Nations preparations earlier this year. It boasts a number of luxury five-star facilities, including a restaurant and spa. A short stay at the hotel can cost between £300 and £1,200 per night.
The hotel is about two miles from Bagshot Park, where Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh lives. The RFU's Centre of Athletic Development is also located near the site.