Woman Jailed After Sleeping Next to Decomposing Partner's Body for Three Weeks
Sally Smithson, 61, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after pleading guilty to one charge of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body. The case unfolded at Oxford Crown Court, where it was revealed that Smithson had slept in the same bed as her partner's decomposing corpse for approximately three weeks.
Discovery of the Body and Court Proceedings
John Blackwell, 71, was found dead on October 21 last year, with his body in an advanced stage of decomposition. Prosecuting, Charles Ward-Jackson informed the court that police discovered Mr Blackwell's body on the bedroom floor, lying flat on his back and naked. There were no signs of injuries, but the television was on and the bed appeared to have been slept in recently.
The suspected cause of death was a heart attack, as Mr Blackwell had suffered from a serious heart condition. The last time he was seen alive was on September 19, and his body was not discovered until over a month later.
Turbulent Relationship and Cover-Up Attempts
The court heard that the relationship between Smithson and Mr Blackwell had been "turbulent" and involved drunken arguments and domestic violence. Smithson had previous convictions for violence against Mr Blackwell, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
In an attempt to conceal the truth, Smithson sent text messages from Mr Blackwell's phone after his death and told people he had "gone out" or was recovering from a hospital visit. Neighbours reported erratic behaviour, including Smithson peering through windows, and the couple's cleaner grew suspicious after numerous cancellations, ultimately leading to the police call on October 21.
Sentencing and Judge's Remarks
Sentencing Smithson on Friday, February 20, Judge Michael Gledhill KC described the offence as "a very grave and serious offence" and "an affront to the standards of public decency." He noted that Smithson had led a "perfectly honest and sensible life" before her first court appearance in 2018, but the volatile nature of the relationship contributed to the tragic circumstances.
Mitigating, Peter Du Feu stated that Smithson had made two phone calls to the coroner's office immediately after the death but then "put her head in the sand." He emphasised her remorse and deep understanding of the events, describing her as "very upset indeed" and facing up to her actions.
Broader Context and Support Resources
This case highlights issues of domestic abuse and mental health crises. For confidential support, individuals can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit relevant organisations. Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) offers specialist support for those affected by fatal domestic abuse, underscoring the importance of community resources in such distressing situations.
