Porthcawl, United Kingdom. Christopher Phillips, 60, was jailed for two years and four months on Monday after keeping his mother’s body in a freezer for nearly three years while receiving about £78,000 in welfare benefits and pension payments intended for her.
Phillips admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of his 89-year-old mother, Sylvia Phillips, and committing fraud after her death in March 2023.
Police discovery
South Wales Police attended the home Phillips shared with his mother in Porthcawl in February after concerns were raised about her welfare. Medical professionals had not seen Sylvia Phillips since September 2022.
Phillips told officers that his mother was in London with relatives. A search of the property led police to find her body in a freezer, covered with flowers and beside a birthday card from Phillips and his dog.
Police said the cause of Sylvia Phillips’ death has not yet been established.
Court sentence
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke said Sylvia Phillips had “suffered the indignity of being stored in a chest freezer for three years” while her son collected money intended for her.
British media reported that Phillips told a psychiatrist he “didn’t want to let her go”. His lawyers said he had slept in the same room as the freezer to remain close to her body.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton of South Wales Police described the case as “extremely sad”, saying Phillips had concealed his mother’s death and financially profited for a significant period.
