Son admits storing body of his mum in chest freezer at home

In February, officers from South Wales Police located Sylvia Phillips’ remains inside a chest freezer at her residence in Poplar Crescent, Porthcawl. The 89-year-old woman’s son, Christopher Phillips, 60, confessed to obstructing her proper burial process. Cardiff Crown Court heard on Thursday that Sylvia Phillips had passed away sometime in 2023.

Christopher Phillips also faced charges of deception, having failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions and Bridgend council of his mother’s death. During an inquest on Wednesday, it was revealed that a pathologist could not determine the cause of death, with further inquiries ongoing. The GP initiated the welfare check that led to the discovery of the body.

Sylvia Phillips’ son will receive his sentence on 2 June. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke remarked during the proceedings that he had acknowledged grave misconduct.

“He had admitted extremely serious offences,” stated Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke.