Christopher Phillips, 60, is sentenced to prison for keeping his dead mother’s body in a freezer at their home in Porthcawl, South Wales, for nearly three years while receiving money from her benefits. The deceased, Silvia (also reported as Sylvia) Phillips, was 89. According to reports, Phillips stored her body in a chest freezer in the living room and continued receiving her benefits during the period after her death.
Phillips previously admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of his mother at their address. He also admitted fraudulent conduct involving her benefits, reported as about £78,000. Coverage describes the case being heard at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. The Guardian reports Phillips received a custodial sentence of two years and four months, while other outlets report he was jailed, without adding further sentencing detail.
The outlets agree on the core facts: the body was kept in a freezer at the home for almost three years, Phillips admitted preventing a lawful and decent burial, and he received a substantial amount from his mother’s benefits during that time.
