Overview
- Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, were each sentenced to four years at Portsmouth Crown Court after convictions for public nuisance, preventing lawful burial and fraud-related offences.
- Prosecutors said they kept at least 46 bodies in an unrefrigerated room between June 2022 and December 2023, including one left for 36 days, with a mortuary reading of 11.48C against a recommended 4C.
- High Court enforcement agents repossessing the premises over debts found decomposing bodies, prompting the police and CPS investigation.
- The court heard the insolvent firm continued trading, families were falsely told cremations had occurred, and Elkin displayed a forged industry certificate; both were also disqualified from acting as company directors for seven years.
- Following sentencing, the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management and Hampshire officials urged urgent regulation, and police said some families still lack answers.