// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Son who kept mum's body in freezer for years collected £78k of her benefits
Christopher Phillips was arrested after his mother's body was found in the family's home
A man who kept his dead mother in a chest freezer in the living room of the family home for nearly three years and continued to collect her pension and benefits has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
Christopher Phillips, 60, was arrested after the body of Sylvia Phillips, 89, was found by officers in February at Poplar Crescent, Porthcawl, Bridgend county.
Phillips had told doctors he "did not want to let her go" and "wanted more time" after her death.
Sylvia Phillips was discovered wrapped in a leopard print silk blanket, with yellow and pink roses placed on her body, as well as a birthday card signed from him and the family dog Tina.
"To Mum, from Christopher and Tina," the card read.
Phillips admitted three offences including failing to lawfully and decently bury his mother and continuing to claim her pension and benefits including housing benefits and winter fuel allowances.
Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard Phillips had been adopted by Sylvia Phillips at the age of two and was "exceptionally close" to her.
The day after she died on 8 March 2023 her son held her in his arms and told her he would look after her, the court was told.
Two days after her death, Phillips bought a chest freezer from AO.com, placing it in the dining room of the semi-detached home. She remained there until her body was discovered by police who carried out a welfare check requested by her GP.