Christopher Phillips (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A 60-year-old man has been sent to prison for more than two years after officers searching his Porthcawl home discovered his mother’s body hidden inside a freezer.
Christopher Phillips received a sentence of two years and four months at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday, August 3. He had previously admitted two offences at Cardiff Crown Court on March 20 – preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body, and fraud by false representation – having kept his mother’s death hidden while continuing to benefit financially from it.
What alerted officers
The case began with a gap in medical records. Sylvia Phillips had not been seen by health professionals since 2022, despite prescriptions continuing to be issued in her name and a prior history of regular contact. A concern for welfare report was passed to South Wales Police, who attended an address on Poplar Crescent shortly before 7pm on February 17.
An account that did not hold up
Phillips spoke to officers at the property and claimed his mother was in London staying with cousins. When they asked him to name those relatives or say where they lived, he would not provide the details.
The discovery
During a search of the house, officers noticed a freezer with flowers laid across the top. Further officers were called to the address, and the body of a woman in her 80s was found inside. She was later confirmed as Sylvia Phillips.
Interview and inquest
Phillips answered no comment to every question put to him by officers during his interview. An initial post-mortem examination has been carried out, but the cause of death remains undetermined. An inquest will take place in due course.
Police reaction
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Claire Lamerton said:
“This is an extremely sad case where Phillips concealed his own mother’s death and financially profited for a significant period.
“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.”
