Funeral Home operators Accused of Neglecting Deceased, Running Fraudulent Business
Portsmouth, UK – The owners of Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, Hampshire, are on trial accused of multiple offenses including preventing lawful burial, causing a public nuisance, and fraud, after authorities discovered a deceased man’s body left to decompose in an uncooled mortuary room for 36 days. Richard elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, allegedly failed to cremate William Mitchell, 87, despite a pre-paid funeral plan and arrangements made by the deceased during his lifetime.
The case, unfolding at Portsmouth Crown Court, revealed the disturbing conditions in which Mitchell’s body was found by High Court enforcement agents attempting to repossess the premises due to critically important unpaid debts. Prosecutor Lesley Bates KC described a mortuary room with a leaking roof, water running down the walls, and a temperature consistent with the rest of the building – lacking refrigeration.
“They felt immediate concern at the circumstances in which the bodies were being kept,” Bates told the jury, adding that the body of another elderly man was also discovered at the location.Bates stated Mitchell’s body “showed obvious signs of decomposition.”
According to the prosecution, Elkin claimed the cremation hadn’t occurred due to lack of payment. Though, Bates presented evidence that mitchell had a funeral plan in place and the defendants had already received £2,040 specifically for the cremation. Furthermore, a coffin had not even been ordered. Mitchell’s family were reportedly “incredulous” upon learning from police that his body remained uncremated.
Bates emphasized that there was “no good reason” for the delay in cremation, given Mitchell’s pre-arranged plans. The prosecution also highlighted the financial instability of Elkin and bell Funerals, stating the company was insolvent “almost since it began in 2019,” with outstanding debts of £13,440 in rent arrears and £8,567 for electricity.
Elkin is also facing charges of forgery and using a false instrument related to a certificate falsely claiming accreditation from the National Association of Funeral Directors.
Both Elkin and Bell deny all charges. The trial continues.
