UK man jailed for keeping mother's body in freezer to claim benefits
On Monday, Christopher Phillips, aged 60, was sentenced to prison for storing his mother’s corpse in a freezer for almost three years while illegally collecting her welfare benefits. He confessed to obstructing the proper burial of his 89-year-old mother, Sylvia Phillips, who passed away in March 2023. Additionally, he admitted to committing fraud by receiving around £78,000 (US$108,000) in benefits and pension payments after her death, with the cause of death still undetermined. Concerns about Sylvia, who hadn’t been seen by medical professionals since September 2022, prompted police to visit Phillips' home in February. Initially, he claimed she was in London, but officers found her body in a freezer adorned with flowers and a birthday card from her son and his dog. This case underscores the potential for abuse within the benefits system and the critical role of welfare checks in identifying such misconduct.
Key facts
- Christopher Phillips, 60, was jailed on Monday.
- He kept his mother's body in a freezer for nearly three years.
- He received about £78,000 in benefits and pension payments after her death.
- His mother, Sylvia Phillips, was 89 years old and died in March 2023.
- He admitted preventing lawful burial and pleaded guilty to fraud.
- Police found the body in a freezer covered with flowers and a birthday card.
- The incident occurred in Porthcawl, south Wales.
- The cause of death is not yet known.
Entities
Locations
- Porthcawl
- Wales
- London
- United Kingdom