Man kept dead mum in freezer for three years while claiming £78,000 in her benefits

Christopher Phillips was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court today(Picture: WALES NEWS SERVICE) A man who kept his dead mother inside a freeze for nearly three years while he raked in £78,000 of her benefits has been jailed. Christopher Phillips, 60, kept Silvia Phillips, 89, in a chest freezer in the living room while concealing her death to professionals, the court heard. He previously admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of his mum at their home in Porthcawl, Wales. Phillips also pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud, by failing to inform the Department for Work and Pensions, as well as Bridgend County Borough Council, that his mum had died. He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court today. Sign up for all of the latest stories