Funeral directors jailed over decomposing bodies

TWO funeral directors who stored bodies in unrefrigerated conditions have been jailed for four years each.

- BY ANAHITA HOSSEIN-POUR

Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, were described as “evil” yesterday.

During their trial, the court heard the bodies of two elderly men were found by High Court enforcement agents who had been tasked with repossessing the premises due to unpaid rent and debts.

The body of 87-year-old William Mitchell “showed obvious signs of decomposition” in a mortuary room that was not refrigerated and with a leaking roof, the prosecution said.

Statements from 13 family members of loved ones who were in the care of Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, Hampshire, were read to the court at the sentencing hearing yesterday.

Portsmouth crown court heard how Mr Mitchell used to bring treats to Elkin and Bell as he lived around the corner.