Two Women Face Charges After Man's Body Discovered in Cornwall Car Park
Two women, aged 88 and 53, have been formally charged following the discovery of a man's body inside a vehicle at a business park car park in Cornwall. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 18, 2024, when police responded to a concern for welfare report at Helston Business Park.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police located the body of Glen Manders, a 66-year-old man from the Avon and Somerset area, inside a vehicle at the business park. Mr Manders was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The police initially arrested two suspects on suspicion of more serious offences, including murder and wilful neglect of a person without mental capacity. However, after further enquiries, the force has confirmed that no further action will be taken on these specific counts.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The two women charged are Dinah Manders, 88, from Exeter, and Rosemary Manders, 53, from Ilminster. Both have been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body, a serious offence under English law.
Both individuals have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear at Truro Magistrates' Court on March 26, 2025, to face the charges. The police spokesperson emphasised that while the initial arrests included allegations of murder and neglect, the current charges are solely related to the burial offence.
Police Statement and Community Impact
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police provided a detailed account of the events, stating: 'Two suspects arrested after a body was located in Helston in December 2024 have been charged. Police were making enquiries in the Helston area in the early hours of Wednesday 18 December 2024 following concerns for welfare.'
The spokesperson continued: 'During those enquiries officers located the body of a man in a vehicle in Helston Business Park. A man in his 60s, from the Avon and Somerset area, was confirmed deceased at the scene. Two women were arrested on suspicion of murder, wilful neglect of a person without mental capacity and preventing a lawful burial.'
They added: 'Dinah Manders, 88, of Weirfield Road, Exeter, and Rosemary Manders, 53, of Upton Lane, Ilminster, have now both been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body. They will face no further action in relation to murder and wilful neglect. They have both been bailed to appear at Truro Magistrates' Court on Thursday 26 March.'
The case has drawn attention in the local community, highlighting the complexities of legal proceedings in such sensitive matters. The police have assured the public that their investigation remains ongoing, focusing on the specific charges brought forward.
