Christopher Phillips kept mum’s body in dining room freezer in Porthcawl for years ‘couldn’t let her go’

A man who kept his dead mother in a chest freezer in the living room of the family home for nearly three years and continued to collect her pension and benefits has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

Christopher Phillips, 60, was arrested after the body of Sylvia Phillips, 89, was found by officers in February at Poplar Crescent, Porthcawl, Bridgend county.

She had died in March 2023.

Phillips had told doctors he “did not want to let her go” and “wanted more time” after her death.

Sylvia Phillips was discovered wrapped in a leopard print silk blanket, with yellow and pink roses placed on her body, as well as a birthday card signed from him and the family dog Tina.

“To Mum, from Christopher and Tina,” the card read.

Phillips admitted three offences including failing to lawfully and decently bury his mother and continuing to claim her pension and benefits including housing benefits and winter fuel allowances.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard that the day after Sylvia Phillips died on 8 March 2023 her son held her in his arms and told her he would look after her.

Two days after her death, Phillips bought a chest freezer from AO.com, placing it in the dining room of the semi-detached home. She remained there until her body was discovered by police who carried out a welfare check requested by her GP.

The court was told that the local medical practice had made repeated attempts to contact her but were denied access by her son.

When police went to the house, Phillips said his mother had moved to London and did not want to undergo medical tests.

The court heard officers became suspicious, with Phillips seen trembling and fidgeting. He ran upstairs and later could be heard telling a girlfriend on the phone that the “police are going to arrest me, you’ve got the will”.