Woman Sentenced to Prison for Concealing Partner's Death
A 61-year-old woman has been jailed after admitting she slept next to her deceased partner's body for approximately three weeks following his death from a heart attack. Sally Smithson, of Clare near Thame in Oxfordshire, pleaded guilty to a single charge of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body at Oxford Crown Court.
Discovery of Decomposed Body
John Blackwell, aged 71, is believed to have died around October 1 last year, but his body was not discovered by police until October 21. He was last seen alive on September 19, with suspicions arising after the couple's cleaner appointments were cancelled on multiple occasions.
Prosecutor Charles Ward-Jackson informed the court that Mr Blackwell's body was found in an advanced state of decomposition. The body was discovered lying flat on its back and naked on the bedroom floor, with no signs of injuries present. The television was still switched on, and the bed showed evidence of recent use.
Turbulent Relationship and Circumstances
The court heard that Mr Blackwell suffered from a serious heart condition, with the suspected cause of death being a heart attack. The relationship between Smithson and Mr Blackwell was described as "turbulent," involving drunken arguments and incidents of domestic violence.
Judge Michael Gledhill KC remarked on the tragic nature of the case, noting that Smithson had previously led an honest and sensible life before her first court appearance in 2018. He described the relationship as volatile but confirmed that the deceased appeared to have died from natural causes.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Judge Gledhill emphasized the gravity of the offence, stating that Smithson must have been sleeping next to the dead body for about three weeks. He declared this act "a very grave and serious offence" and "an affront to the standards of public decency."
On February 20, Sally Smithson was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment for her actions. The case highlights the legal consequences of failing to report a death and properly arrange for burial, even when no foul play is suspected in the death itself.
