Christopher Phillips, 60, kept the body of his mother Sylvia Phillips, 89, in a chest freezer at their home in Porthcawl for three years after her death. Police discovered the body on February 17 during a welfare check at the property in Poplar Crescent.
Phillips was arrested minutes after the discovery. He had acted suspiciously during the welfare check, prompting a search of the home. The body was found in the dining room, wrapped in a leopard print blanket with yellow and pink roses scattered over it. A birthday card addressed to "Mum" was signed by Phillips and a dog named Tina.
A sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday heard that Mrs Phillips had been a patient at Porthcawl Medical Centre and was a frequent visitor before her death, which is believed to have occurred on March 8, 2023. She was last seen by medical professionals in 2022, after attending A&E on September 24 and receiving a house call on September 26.
Body examination and cause of death
The body was examined but had to be thawed due to its frozen state. There were signs of decomposition but no signs of injuries contributing to her death. An official cause of death is yet to be determined.
A financial investigation was undertaken into funds received by Mrs Phillips after her death, including her pension, attendance allowance, winter fuel payments and cost of living payments from the Department for Work and Pensions, as well as housing benefit from Bridgend Council. The total of these benefits came to £78,190.
Guilty plea and sentence
Phillips pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful and decent burial and two counts of fraud by false representation. He was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment, of which he will serve 40% in custody before being released on licence.
Arrest footage released
South Wales Police has released video footage of Phillips' arrest, in which he is handcuffed in the back of a police van. An officer is heard saying: "You're going to be under arrest now ok? The time is 8.31pm and you're under arrest on suspicion of allowing or causing the death of a vulnerable adult. The circumstances are we've come to the address and we've gone into the back room and found a lady in the freezer.
"You don't have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand?"
Phillips nods and says: "I do understand." Another officer asks: "Have you got any response to that?" Phillips replies: "No."
