Two funeral directors described as 'evil and vile' have each been sentenced to four years in prison after leaving 46 bodies to decompose in a warm, unrefrigerated mortuary for over a month. Richard Elkin, 49, and his partner Hayley Bell, 42, operated Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, Hampshire, where they committed a series of criminal acts that exploited vulnerable families during their time of grief.
Horrific Conditions Discovered
During their trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, jurors heard how bailiffs visiting the funeral home in December 2023 discovered bodies 'crawling with maggots' with 'fly pupae' in the bags. The mortuary room had a 'horrific smell of dead bodies' with water leaking through the ceiling and running down the walls. Some bodies showed 'extensive development of mould' while others had been stored without refrigeration for more than 30 days.
Business Model Built on Deception
The court heard the business had been insolvent 'almost since it began in 2019' with debts spiraling to £20,000. Prosecutor Lesley Bates KC described their operation as 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' with a 'legacy of ever-increasing and irredeemable indebtedness.' The pair continued providing funeral services despite knowing they couldn't meet their basic obligations.
Forged Credentials and False Promises
Elkin and Bell displayed a forged certificate from the National Association of Funeral Directors in their front office to appear legitimate. The cooler system in their mortuary was too small for the room, meaning temperatures couldn't reach required levels, especially during summer months. This led to bodies decomposing rapidly while families believed their loved ones were being properly cared for.
Heartbreaking Impact on Families
During victim impact statements, families described the profound trauma caused by the defendants' actions. Corrine Boulton told how she was denied the chance to hold her baby Albie one last time after he died at just 11 minutes old. 'I felt like she was the most trustworthy and the best possible person to look after him on our behalf,' she said of Bell, whom she had known for 23 years. 'I now wish he had stayed at the hospital mortuary.'
Multiple Families Devastated
Jamie Williams said learning about the neglect of his mother Patricia Williams' body 'halted the grieving process in its tracks.' He described the defendants as 'evil and vile' who 'exploited families when they were at their most vulnerable.' Other relatives spoke of developing medical conditions, requiring counseling, and experiencing lifelong doubt and distress.
Sharon Kirton discovered her mother Elizabeth Kirton had been covered in makeup to hide decomposition effects, with the makeup smeared on her clothes. Colin Marsh, son of Melvyn Marsh, said: 'I now have to think about maggots in my dad's body. I failed him.'
Criminal Convictions and Sentencing
Elkin and Bell were convicted of intentionally causing a public nuisance, preventing lawful burial, and carrying on business with intent to defraud creditors. Elkin received additional convictions for making and using a false instrument and possessing pepper spray. During sentencing, Elkin was ordered out of the dock after shouting at grieving relatives delivering their statements.
Specific Cases of Neglect
The body of 87-year-old William Mitchell was found after 36 days in the unrefrigerated mortuary, showing obvious signs of decomposition. His family had paid £2,040 through a funeral plan, believing he had received a private cremation. Instead, they discovered his body had been neglected while Elkin falsely claimed non-payment as the reason for delaying cremation.
Official Responses and Aftermath
Andrew Eddy of the Crown Prosecution Service stated: 'Today's sentence marks an important moment — one of the first times funeral directors have been held criminally accountable for denying families a lawful and dignified burial.' He emphasized that the defendants 'abused their position of trust' and caused 'deep emotional harm to dozens of families.'
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolemeo of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary added: 'Mr Elkin and Ms Bell betrayed that trust, and betrayed it in the worst way possible.' The case has highlighted the absence of regulation in the funeral trade that the defendants exploited for their criminal activities.
The sentencing brings some measure of justice to the affected families, though the emotional scars will likely remain for years to come. The CPS has committed to continuing work with police to ensure those who exploit grieving families are held fully accountable for their actions.
