Christopher Phillips, 60, has appeared at Cardiff Crown Court accused of keeping his mother's body in a freezer at his home in Porthcawl. The business director is charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial and fraud by false representation after police found the remains of 89-year-old Sylvia Phillips in the freezer on February 17.
Officers from South Wales Police attended the property on Poplar Crescent following concerns for the woman's welfare. Phillips is also accused of fraudulently using his late mother's bank account.
At a brief hearing on Friday, March 20, Phillips, wearing grey prison overalls and dark-rimmed glasses, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. He did not enter pleas to either charge after Judge Vanessa Francis ruled that important paperwork had not been completed.
Judge Francis told Phillips: 'I'm not asking you to enter pleas today as I think there is more everyone needs to know and understand about this case.' She added that his legal team needed to know 'exactly what you are accused of doing'. Phillips thanked the judge as he left court and was remanded in custody until a further hearing next month.
