A man in Wales has been sent to prison after hiding his mother’s body inside a freezer for nearly three years while continuing to collect more than $105,000 in government payments issued in her name.
Christopher Phillips, 60, was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars on Monday, August 3, at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, according to South Wales Police.
Phillips had previously pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body and fraud by false representation during a court appearance on March 20.
The disturbing case began after police received a welfare concern and visited Phillips’ home in the coastal town of Porthcawl, about 35 miles from Cardiff.
Officers arrived at the property at approximately 7 p.m. on February 17 and asked Phillips where his mother, Sylvia Phillips, was.
He claimed she was staying in London with cousins but refused to provide their names or addresses.
Police searched the home and discovered a chest freezer in the dining room with flowers placed on top. Inside, they found the body of an elderly woman who was later identified as Sylvia.
Sylvia had died on March 8, 2023, at the age of 89.
Her body was reportedly wrapped in a leopard-print blanket and covered with flowers. A birthday card from Phillips and the family dog had also been placed beside her.
Authorities said Phillips collected more than £78,190, approximately $105,142, in retirement benefits and other government payments following his mother’s death. He would not have been entitled to receive the money if he had reported that she had died.
Phillips was adopted by Sylvia when he was 2 years old and became her primary caregiver in 2008. His attorney, Ruth Smith, told the court that the two had lived together for approximately 50 years.
According to Smith, Phillips told police that he “didn’t want to let her go.”
Two days after Sylvia’s death, Phillips allegedly ordered a chest freezer online and placed it in the home’s dining room. Her body remained inside until officers discovered it nearly three years later.
Smith told the court that Phillips continued speaking to his mother as though she were still alive. He reportedly talked to her about television shows and other parts of his daily life.
An initial post-mortem examination has been completed, but Sylvia’s cause of death has not yet been determined. A formal hearing into her death is expected to take place at a later date.
“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.
“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.”
