Police announce charges in funeral directors case
HAMPSHIRE CONSTABULARY have confirmed that two individuals have been formally charged with multiple offences following a “complex investigation” into a funeral directors within Gosport; which started back in December 2023 after a report were made to police detectives outlining a number of concerns about the practices of this business and services.
Investigators stated that the enquires involved Elkin & Bell Funerals on Nobes Avenue with Richard Elkin (age 48), and Hayley Bell (age 41) both arrested early on this year. The case was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and they have agreed to charge the above names, but have further asked residents not to speculate on circumstances.
Both have now been charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body from November 3-December 11, 2023; as well as intentionally recklessly causing a public nuisance between June 27, 2022 and December 11, 2023. They have also been charged with carrying on a business with intent to defraud creditors/for other fraudulent purposes.
Elkin is furthermore charged with three additional offences including making a false instrument with an intent for it to be accepted as genuine along with using a false instrument with intent for it to be accepted as genuine. This last charge is based around possession of an offensive weapon for the discharges of a noxious liquid or gas, namely ‘pepper sprays’.
The pair were bailed and are due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on December 19 (Thursday) for their first hearing, with a comment from the CPS available online. Hampshire Constabulary have also reminded that readers can contact them via 101 if they have any concerns about this type of crime; whilst details may be submitted using this tool.
Alternatively, readers can contact the “independent charity” Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 for absolutely free; or via their anonymous online forms which can be found through their website: https://orlo.uk/250kR
PICTURED BY ALAMY (E89D5H): A stock image portraying reflective signs on bottom of standard white police vehicle.
