Funeral Directors Face Trial Over Decomposing Body Left for 36 Days
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Two funeral directors, Richard Elkin and Hayley Bell, are on trial at Portsmouth Crown Court for allegedly leaving a body in a leaky, unrefrigerated room for 36 days.
- The defendants face charges of preventing lawful burial, causing a public nuisance, and fraud, with Elkin also accused of forgery related to a false funeral directing certificate.
- Prosecutors claim the funeral home was insolvent since its inception in 2019, with debts exceeding £13,000 in unpaid rent and £8,567 for electricity.
- The body of William Mitchell, 87, showed signs of decomposition, and his family was unaware that his cremation had not occurred despite a £2,040 payment from his funeral plan.
- The trial continues as the defendants deny all charges, attributing delays to unpaid repairs and financial issues.
Two funeral directors, Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, are currently on trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, accused of leaving the body of an elderly man in a deteriorating state for over a month. The case has raised serious concerns about funeral industry malpractice and the conditions within mortuary facilities.
Allegations of Negligence and Fraud
The court heard that the body of William Mitchell, 87, was left in an uncooled mortuary room at Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, Hampshire, for 36 days. Prosecutors described the room as having water dripping down the walls due to a leaky roof, with temperatures no different from the rest of the premises. Despite Mitchell having made arrangements for his funeral, including a £2,040 payment from his funeral plan, no coffin was purchased, and his body was not cremated.
Financial Troubles and Insolvency
Lesley Bates KC, prosecuting, revealed that the funeral home had been insolvent almost since its inception in 2019, with debts including more than £13,000 in unpaid rent and £8,567 for electricity. The financial instability allegedly led to the neglect of proper mortuary conditions and delayed cremation processes. The defendants are charged with preventing lawful burial, causing a public nuisance, and fraud. Elkin also faces charges of forgery related to a false certificate of funeral directing.
Defense and Ongoing Trial
Both Elkin and Bell deny the charges, attributing the delays to financial difficulties and the landlord's failure to repair the mortuary's leaking roof. Elkin claimed the business was Bell's responsibility, while Bell stated that Elkin was actively involved, including collecting Mitchell's body. The trial continues as the court examines the extent of their alleged negligence and fraudulent activities.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the trial progresses, the outcome could have significant implications for the funeral industry, particularly concerning regulatory oversight and the management of funeral homes. If found guilty, Elkin and Bell could face severe penalties, potentially leading to stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of funeral service providers. This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in handling sensitive end-of-life arrangements, and it may prompt legislative changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Funeral Directors Face Trial Over Decomposing Body Left for 36 Days
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Two funeral directors, Richard Elkin and Hayley Bell, are on trial at Portsmouth Crown Court for allegedly leaving a body in a leaky, unrefrigerated room for 36 days.
- The defendants face charges of preventing lawful burial, causing a public nuisance, and fraud, with Elkin also accused of forgery related to a false funeral directing certificate.
- Prosecutors claim the funeral home was insolvent since its inception in 2019, with debts exceeding £13,000 in unpaid rent and £8,567 for electricity.
- The body of William Mitchell, 87, showed signs of decomposition, and his family was unaware that his cremation had not occurred despite a £2,040 payment from his funeral plan.
- The trial continues as the defendants deny all charges, attributing delays to unpaid repairs and financial issues.
Two funeral directors, Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, are currently on trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, accused of leaving the body of an elderly man in a deteriorating state for over a month. The case has raised serious concerns about funeral industry malpractice and the conditions within mortuary facilities.
Allegations of Negligence and Fraud
The court heard that the body of William Mitchell, 87, was left in an uncooled mortuary room at Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, Hampshire, for 36 days. Prosecutors described the room as having water dripping down the walls due to a leaky roof, with temperatures no different from the rest of the premises. Despite Mitchell having made arrangements for his funeral, including a £2,040 payment from his funeral plan, no coffin was purchased, and his body was not cremated.
Financial Troubles and Insolvency
Lesley Bates KC, prosecuting, revealed that the funeral home had been insolvent almost since its inception in 2019, with debts including more than £13,000 in unpaid rent and £8,567 for electricity. The financial instability allegedly led to the neglect of proper mortuary conditions and delayed cremation processes. The defendants are charged with preventing lawful burial, causing a public nuisance, and fraud. Elkin also faces charges of forgery related to a false certificate of funeral directing.
Defense and Ongoing Trial
Both Elkin and Bell deny the charges, attributing the delays to financial difficulties and the landlord's failure to repair the mortuary's leaking roof. Elkin claimed the business was Bell's responsibility, while Bell stated that Elkin was actively involved, including collecting Mitchell's body. The trial continues as the court examines the extent of their alleged negligence and fraudulent activities.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the trial progresses, the outcome could have significant implications for the funeral industry, particularly concerning regulatory oversight and the management of funeral homes. If found guilty, Elkin and Bell could face severe penalties, potentially leading to stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of funeral service providers. This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in handling sensitive end-of-life arrangements, and it may prompt legislative changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Images from the Web
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