Man Jailed for Keeping Mother’s Body in Freezer for Nearly Three Years While Claiming Her Benefits

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court in Wales court in Wales, United Kingdom, has sentenced Christopher Phillips, from Porthcawl, Bridgend, to two years and four months in prison after he kept the body of his deceased mother, Sylvia Phillips, in a freezer for nearly three years while continuing to receive her financial benefits.

Police were called to the property in February after concerns were raised about Sylvia’s welfare. She had not been seen by medical professionals since 2022, despite continuing to receive prescriptions and previously maintaining regular contact with healthcare services.

When officers arrived, Phillips claimed his mother was in London visiting cousins but failed to provide any further details, prompting a search of the house.

During the search, police discovered a freezer with flowers placed on top. Inside was the body of a woman in her 80s, later confirmed to be Sylvia Phillips.

Phillips initially answered “no comment” to all police questions but later pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body and fraud by false representation.

He has now been sentenced to two years and four months in prison for the offences.