Bristol Man Concealed Mother's Body in Freezer for Years, Claiming £78,000 in Benefits

Christopher Phillips, 56, faces charges after the remains of his mother, Eugenia Phillips, were found in a freezer at their home in Berry Close, Easton, Bristol. The discovery was made on 2 December 2022, after police were alerted by family members who had not seen Eugenia for a prolonged period.

Subsequent police enquiries established that Phillips had continued to claim his mother's state benefits, amounting to an estimated £78,000, for several years after her death. The precise timeline of Eugenia Phillips' death remains under investigation.

Phillips has been charged with preventing a lawful burial and fraud by false representation. He is currently remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Bristol Crown Court for a plea hearing on 5 July. Authorities have not yet disclosed details surrounding the circumstances of Eugenia Phillips' death, nor the exact duration her body was stored within the property.