A man in Britain was sentenced to imprisonment for keeping his mother’s body in a freezer for nearly three years while illegally receiving nearly £80,000 ($108,000 USD) in her social benefits.
Christopher Phillips, 60, pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful and decent burial of his 89-year-old mother, Sylvia Phillips. This occurred after her death in March 2023 and continued until his arrest at their home in Port Talbot, South Wales, in February this year. Phillips also pleaded guilty to fraud for illegally receiving approximately £78,000 in social benefits and pensions after his mother’s death.
Investigation details
Police reported that the cause of Sylvia Phillips’ death is currently unknown. Officers arrived at Phillips’ address in February after concerns were raised about his mother, who medical workers had not seen since September 2022.
Phillips told the police that his mother was allegedly in London with relatives, but a search of the house led officers to the freezer. Inside was the body of Sylvia Phillips, covered in flowers, with a birthday card from her son and his dog nearby.
Source: South China Morning Post
