A British man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after keeping his mother’s body in a freezer for nearly three years and fraudulently collecting about $108,000 in welfare and pension payments intended for her.
Christopher Phillips, 60, was sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty to preventing the lawful burial of his 89-year-old mother, Sylvia Phillips, and fraudulently accessing her financial support after her death.
British media reported that Sylvia Phillips died in March 2023, but her body remained hidden inside the family home in Porthcawl, south Wales, until police discovered the remains following an investigation earlier this year.
Police began inquiries after concerns were raised about Sylvia’s wellbeing and it emerged that healthcare workers had not seen her since September 2022. When officers visited the home, Phillips initially claimed that his mother had travelled to London to visit relatives.
A search of the property later uncovered Sylvia Phillips’ body inside a freezer. Reports said the remains had been covered with flowers, with a birthday card from her son and the family dog found nearby.
Prosecutors told the court that Phillips continued receiving his mother’s welfare benefits and pension payments after her death. He received around £78,000 ($108,000) in payments that were intended to support Sylvia, according to the case presented to the court.
During proceedings, the court heard that Phillips told a psychiatrist he did not want to “lose” his mother. His lawyers argued that he had struggled emotionally after her death and kept her body because he wanted to remain close to her.
However, prosecutors argued that Phillips deliberately concealed his mother’s death while continuing to benefit financially from the payments made in her name. The court ruled that his actions resulted in prolonged indignity for Sylvia Phillips.
The judge said Sylvia had suffered “the indignity of being kept in a freezer for three years” while money intended for her support continued to be collected.
Police have not established the exact cause of Sylvia Phillips’ death. Investigators have not confirmed whether her death was suspicious or whether additional charges could be brought.
The case has drawn widespread attention in the United Kingdom because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery and the length of time the body remained hidden.
Authorities said concerns over Sylvia’s lack of contact with healthcare services played an important role in uncovering the situation. The case has also renewed discussions about protecting elderly people who depend on regular medical visits and social support networks.
Phillips was sentenced to two years and four months in prison. His conviction covers both the failure to arrange a lawful burial and the fraud linked to collecting his mother’s benefits after her death.
