Christopher Phillips, 60, has been jailed for two years and four months after keeping his dead mother's body in a chest freezer in their living room to continue claiming her benefits.
Phillips, of Porthcawl, admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of his mother, Silvia Phillips, 89. Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard she died on March 8, 2023.
Body found with card and roses
After his mother's death, Phillips bought the freezer and stored her body inside it. The body was found draped in a leopard print throw, together with roses and a birthday card that read "To Mum, from Christopher and Tina" – a reference to the family dog. The cause of death has not been established.
Phillips, who had left his job to become his mother's full-time carer, continued to receive her benefits and obtained a total of £78,190.92 after she died. He pleaded guilty to two fraud charges for failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Bridgend County Borough Council of her death during the same period.
Sentence
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."
