The Latest Breaking News from Lesley Bates KC

Funeral directors jailed after decomposing body found in mortuary

Grieving families described Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, as ‘vile’ and ‘evil’

The Independent UK · Feb 19

Funeral directors jailed over decomposing body found in mortuary after 36 days

Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, who ran Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, Hampshire.

Evening Standard · Feb 19

46 Bodies Left to Rot: Funeral Directors Convicted After Deceased Bodies Stored in Unrefrigerated Room

Gosport funeral directors Richard Elkin and Hayley Bell were convicted after 46 bodies were found decomposing in an unrefrigerated space, exposing fraud, forgery, and shocking neglect at their firm.

International Business Times UK · Dec 13, 2025