DANE MASSAM SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR GUILDFORD MURDER OF HELEN ANDERSON

Dane Massam has been handed a life sentence in connection with the brutal murder of his on-again, off-again partner, Helen Anderson, whose body was discovered in a secluded woodland area near the A3 in Guildford. The court proceedings, which spanned five weeks at Guildford Crown Court, culminated in a conviction that will see Massam serve a minimum of 23 years behind bars.

Helen Anderson, aged 41, was found on August 23, 2021, wrapped in a duvet and a plastic sheet, lying in the undergrowth of a small wooded patch close to the busy A3 road. Her death shocked the local community and prompted a swift police investigation. Authorities quickly identified Dane Massam as the prime suspect, establishing a connection through evidence that detailed their tumultuous relationship spanning five years. The couple had previously resided together in North London and were known to travel together on a decommissioned double-decker bus, a distinctive aspect of their relationship.

Following Helen’s tragic death, investigators uncovered that Massam had made arrangements to leave the country. Notably, he booked flights to Jamaica for August 25, but on the very day her body was found, he canceled Helen’s ticket, raising suspicions about his involvement. Further evidence showed that Massam was seen driving his bus in London on August 24, which had been recently cleaned, suggesting recent use and possible attempts to conceal his movements. The police apprehended him in Oxfordshire while he was en route to catch a flight to Jamaica, and he was formally charged with her murder on August 29.

During his time in custody, Massam reportedly made a chilling statement to officers, saying, “I’m going to prison for this and I don’t ******* care. I do care but there’s only so much somebody can take.” His words underscored the gravity of the crime and his apparent emotional detachment from the consequences.

The victim’s family described Helen Anderson as a ‘dear sister and daughter’ with a ‘big heart,’ emphasizing the profound loss felt by those who knew her. The police have highlighted the brutality of the murder, with Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers stating, “This was a tragic case where a woman lost her life at the hands of a man she loved who abused her trust.”

The investigation involved multiple police departments working tirelessly to piece together the circumstances surrounding Helen’s death. Authorities have called on the public to come forward with any additional information that might assist ongoing inquiries. Support services for victims of domestic abuse are also being promoted, with resources available for those in need of help, reflecting the broader effort to prevent similar tragedies in the future.