A man was arrested after his deceased mother’s body was found inside a living room freezer in Porthcawl, Wales, in February. Christopher Phillips was arrested after the South Wales Police found the dead body while conducting a welfare check.
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Phillips Kept Deceased Mother’s Body Inside Living Freezer
Christopher Phillips, 60, was arrested on February 17 after the South Wales Police found his deceased mother’s body inside a chest freezer. While responding to a welfare call at a home at 29 Poplar Crescent at approximately 7:00 p.m., officers found his mother’s body, Sylvia Phillips, inside a freezer in the living room.
According to the police department’s press release, medical professionals hadn’t seen the 89-year-old woman since 2022. However, her prescriptions were still filled for three years. Phillips claimed that she’d was in London, but apparently could not support the claim.
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“A search of the house identified a freezer with flowers laid on top,” it reads. “Further officers attended and the body of a woman in her 80s, now confirmed to be Sylvia Phillips, was found inside.”
Philips reportedly said to his girlfriend over the phone that the “police are going to arrest me, you’ve got the will,” according to the BBC.
Per the outlet, authorities found the 89-year-old completely frozen. Time had to pass before an autopsy could be conducted. Although the mother’s cause of death could not be determined, suspicious circumstances are not suspected.
BBC reports that it is believed Sylvia died on March 8, 2023. Her son had been her sole caregiver.
Phillips Reportedly Said He Wanted More Time With Mother
Phillips’ lawyer, Ruth Smith, reportedly argued that he was close to his mother and struggled to accept her death. The lawyer alleged her client told police he “did not want to let to let her go.” Per the BBC, Phillips had told doctors he “wanted more time” with his mom after her death.
Sylvia was found wrapped in a leopard print silk blanket. In addition, pink and yellow roses were laid on her body, along with a birthday card signed by Phillips, per the outlet. He also included the family dog, Tina.
“To Mum, from Christopher and Tina,” he wrote.
His lawyer added that Philips would talk to his mother and even open the freezer to hold her hand. She reportedly said he “had almost created a false narrative that she was still alive.”
Phillips Continued To Collect Mother’s Government Check
Phillips pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body on March 20. In addition, he pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation.
Furthermore, Phillips was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. He allegedly collected £78,190.92 of Sylvia’s pension, which is more than $105,000.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton had little sympathy for Phillips, despite his claims.
“This is an extremely sad case where Phillips concealed his own mother’s death and financially profited for a significant period,” Lamerton said per the press release.
