Son who kept mum's body in freezer for years collected £78k of her benefits
A 60-year-old man has been sentenced to prison after keeping his deceased mother's body in a freezer for three years to continue collecting her pension and benefits. The discovery was made during a police welfare check after medical professionals were repeatedly denied access to the woman.
Why it matters
This case highlights issues regarding elder care, social security fraud, and the psychological complexities of grief and isolation.
Image source, South Wales Police Image caption, Christopher Phillips was arrested after his mother's body was found in the family's home
A man who kept his dead mother in a chest freezer in the living room of the family home for nearly three years and continued to collect her pension and benefits has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
Christopher Phillips, 60, was arrested after the body of Sylvia Phillips, 89, was found by officers in February at Poplar Crescent, Porthcawl, Bridgend county.
Phillips had told doctors he "did not want to let her go" and "wanted more time" after her death.
Sylvia Phillips was discovered wrapped in a leopard print silk blanket, with yellow and pink roses placed on her body, as well as a birthday card signed from him and the family dog Tina.
"To Mum, from Christopher and Tina," the card read.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in