Steve Sansom, a convicted murderer, and his partner Gemma Watts have been sentenced for the brutal killing and dismemberment of 38-year-old Sarah Mayhew.

The couple, both from Croydon, admitted to murder and perverting the course of justice after killing Mayhew and disposing of her body in different locations across London.

Sansom, who had previously murdered a taxi driver in 1998, was sentenced to a whole-life order, while Watts, 49, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 30 years.

Mayhew had two children at the time of her death.

The killing took place after Sansom and Watts exchanged disturbing messages detailing their sadistic fantasies.

Mayhew was lured to Sansom's flat on March 8, 2024, where she was murdered.

Her dismembered remains were found in Rowdown Field and the River Wandle weeks later.

The case involved extreme violence, with prosecutor Tom Little describing it as a sado-masochistic killing.

The court heard that Sansom had shown no remorse for his actions, while Watts had been heavily influenced by him.

Prior to sentencing, Mayhew's family expressed their grief, with her father, David Mayhew, questioning the motives behind her death.

The defendants also faced concurrent sentences for perverting the course of justice.