Chri Topher Phillip, 60, Tored the Remain of Sylvia Phillip, a Retired Company Ecretary, in the Che T Freezer at Their Home

Christopher Phillips, 60, stored the remains of Sylvia Phillips, a retired company secretary, in the chest freezer at their home in Porthcawl, south Wales, after she died in March 2023 at age 89. He bought the freezer two days after her death, placed flowers on top of it, and continued talking to her about soap operas and horse racing. Phillips, a former company director, accessed her bank account, withdrew savings, and pocketed benefits, Merthyr crown court heard. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the recorder of Cardiff, sentenced him, saying he collected her prescriptions and misled medical professionals about her whereabouts, repeatedly telling staff she did not wish to attend appointments or undergo tests.

Her pension and benefits continued to be paid into accounts he could access. Phillips was caught after police conducted a welfare check in February this year, prompted by doctors' concerns. He initially claimed his mother was in London with cousins but could not provide details.

Her body was found covered with a leopard print throw, alongside roses and a birthday card reading "To Mum, from Christopher and Tina" — the latter being the family dog. He pleaded guilty to preventing a decent and lawful burial and two counts of fraud, receiving £78,190.92 in state pension, pensions credit, attendance allowance, winter fuel payments, cost-of-living payments, and housing benefit that would have ceased had her death been reported. Defending, Ruth Smith said Phillips had been "exceptionally close" to his mother, living with her for 50 years and serving as primary carer since 2008. He told police: "I basically didn't want to let her go, and described talking to her as if she were alive, sitting next to her discussing Coronation Street and horse racing.

Smith added he was a vulnerable individual with a vulnerable mental health situation at the time of her death. DCI Claire Lamerton said: "This is an extremely sad case where Phillips concealed his own mother's death and financially profited for a significant period. My thoughts are with Sylvia's loved ones during such a difficult time, and I hope they have found some peace having been able to properly lay her to rest.