UK man jailed after hiding mother’s body in freezer for nearly three years while claiming her benefits

Porthcawl man jailed for keeping mother's body in freezer for nearly three years

U.K: A 60-year-old British man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after keeping his elderly mother’s body hidden in a freezer for nearly three years while continuing to collect thousands of pounds in benefits and pension payments in her name.

Christopher Phillips was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after admitting that he prevented the lawful and decent burial of his 89-year-old mother, Sylvia Phillips.

He also admitted fraud after receiving approximately £78,000 in welfare benefits and pension payments following her death.

Sylvia died in March 2023, but her death remained concealed until police searched the family home in Porthcawl, south Wales, in February this year.

Body discovered inside home

Police became concerned about Sylvia after medical professionals reported that they had not seen her since September 2022.

When officers went to Phillips' home, he reportedly told them that his mother was in London visiting relatives.

The explanation did not withstand a subsequent search.

Officers discovered Sylvia's body inside a freezer at the property.

British media reported that her remains had been covered with flowers and were found alongside a birthday card from her son and his dog.

Police have said that the cause of Sylvia's death has not yet been established.

‘I didn’t want to let her go’

The circumstances surrounding the discovery became even more disturbing during the court proceedings.

Phillips reportedly told a psychiatrist that he “didn’t want to let her go”.

His lawyers also said he had slept in the same room as the freezer because he wanted to remain close to his mother.

Despite the emotional explanation, the court heard that Phillips continued receiving money intended for Sylvia after her death.

The payments ultimately amounted to about £78,000.

Judge condemns ‘indignity’

Sentencing Phillips, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke described the circumstances as an exceptionally serious betrayal of the dignity owed to his mother after death.

The judge said Sylvia had: “suffered the indignity of being stored in a chest freezer for three years”

while her son collected money intended for her.

The court ultimately imposed a two-year-and-four-month prison sentence.

Police describe ‘extremely sad’ case

South Wales Police said the case combined the concealment of a death with prolonged financial exploitation.

“This is an extremely sad case where Phillips concealed his own mother’s death and financially profited for a significant period,” Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton said.

The discovery ended nearly three years of secrecy surrounding Sylvia's death and exposed a scheme in which her son continued to receive benefits and pension payments long after she had died.

While Phillips' explanation centred on his inability to let his mother go, the court's sentence reflected the prolonged concealment, the indignity suffered by Sylvia and the financial benefit he obtained after her death.