A man who discovered his ex-partner dead on his sofa left her body there for more than two years, a court has heard. Jamie Stevens, 51, found Anouska Sites dead at his flat in Torquay, Devon, in January 2023 but covered her body and continued living there until her remains were discovered in May 2025.
Stevens pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial and perverting the course of justice. At Exeter Crown Court, he was sentenced to 14 months in prison. The court heard that the last known sighting of Ms Sites was in May 2022, and she was reported missing in April 2023.
Prosecutor Hollie Gilbery told the court that when police spoke to Stevens in April 2025, he claimed he had no contact with Ms Sites since early 2022. However, on May 27, officers gained entry to his flat and found her skeletal remains under a blanket in the living area. The flat was described as being like that of a hoarder, with rubbish and bottled urine scattered throughout.
Stevens told police that Ms Sites had come to his flat in January 2023 asking to stay the night. He left her sleeping on the sofa and when he returned the next day, he found her dead. He said he threw a blanket over her and continued living in his bedroom, never returning to the lounge.
In mitigation, Paul Dentith described Stevens's actions as a 'passive failure' but noted that lying to police in a witness statement elevated the offence. Stevens expressed devastation at Ms Sites's death, saying, 'She was a lovely person, my partner, my friend, and I miss her terribly. She deserved better.'
Judge Anna Richardson called the case 'absolutely tragic' and said Stevens had panicked and left the body for years. She imposed a 14-month jail sentence.
