US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Gosport Funeral Bosses Left Body for 36 Days, Court Hears
Two funeral directors face charges for leaving a decomposing body unrefrigerated for 36 days amid insolvency and unpaid debts, prosecutors said.
- On Tuesday, prosecutor Lesley Bates KC told the jury that High Court enforcement agents found two elderly bodies while repossessing Elkin and Bell Funerals for unpaid rent and debts, including William Mitchell, 87, who showed decomposition after 36 days in an unrefrigerated mortuary.
- Prosecutors say Elkin and Bell Funerals were insolvent since 2019, owing £13,440 in rent and £8,567 for electricity, while defendants say they awaited landlord repairs for a leaking roof and broken refrigeration unit.
- Records show Golden Charter Ltd paid 2040 for William Mitchell's cremation but prosecutors say it never happened; Bell invoiced Patricia Mitchell 1295 for a `simple design` coffin while no coffin was bought.
- The pair face charges spanning mid‑2022 to December 2023, which they deny, the court heard; Richard Elkin, 49, is also accused of using a false certificate on or before December 10 2023 at Portsmouth Crown Court.
- Prosecutors described the mortuary as leaking and uncooled, with water running down the walls, and William Mitchell's family were incredulous after learning his body was not cremated and had placed a wreath at Porchester Crematorium.
Insights by Ground AI
10 Articles
10 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution34% Left, 33% Center, 33% Right
Bias Distribution
- 34% of the sources lean Left, 33% of the sources are Center, 33% of the sources lean Right
34% Left
L 34%
C 33%
R 33%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
