Christopher Phillips, 60, hid his mother Silvia's body in a chest freezer for three years, collecting £78,190.92 in benefits after her death. He had quit his job to become her full-time carer; Silvia was 89 when she died on March 8, 2023.
Body found with roses and birthday card
Following her death, Phillips bought the freezer and kept her body in the living room of their home in Porthcawl. According to the Daily Star, the body was draped in a leopard print throw and discovered alongside roses and a birthday card. The card read "To Mum, from Christopher and Tina" – referring to the family dog. The cause of Silvia's death has not yet been established.
Phillips previously admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of his mother. He also pleaded guilty to two fraud charges for failing to inform the Department for Work and Pensions and Bridgend County Borough Council of her death, covering the same period.
Sentenced to two years and four months
At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, sentenced him to two years and four months in prison.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton said: "This is an extremely sad case where Phillips concealed his own mother's death and financially profited for a significant period. My thoughts are with Sylvia's loved ones during such a difficult time, and I hope they have found some peace having been able to properly lay her to rest."
