Body of Sylvia Phillips, 89, was found in a chest freezer at the Porthcawl home she shared with her son, Christopher Phillips, 60, who had kept her remains there for three years while continuing to claim her benefits.
Discovery at Porthcawl home
Footage released by South Wales Police shows officers arriving at Phillips' home on February 17 and asking: "Is your mum here?" to which he replied: "No, she's up in London." When asked if he knew the names of the people she was staying with, he said: "No, I can't tell you that."
An officer is heard saying outside the property: "I have a really bad feeling about this one." A search was then carried out, with police using flashlights in the kitchen area before finding Sylvia Phillips' body inside a freezer.
Body kept for three years
She was found wrapped in a leopard print blanket with rose petals scattered over her body and a birthday card signed by her son and her dog. Phillips continued to receive his mother's benefits after her death, totalling £78,190.
He pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful and decent burial and two counts of fraud by false representation.
Sentencing and TV feature
Phillips was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment, of which he will serve 40% in custody before release on licence.
The case features in the latest episode of Forensics: Murder Scene, airing at 9pm on Tuesday, November 10 on Channel 5, which follows the work of Forensic CSI Investigators and major crime detectives from South Wales Police.
