Two funeral directors operating in Gosport have been convicted of multiple offences after deceiving grieving families and leaving bodies in appalling conditions. Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, ran Elkin & Bell Funeral Directors on Nobes Avenue until their business collapsed in December 2023.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary launched an investigation on 10 December 2023 after High Court bailiffs discovered two elderly men’s bodies at the rear of the premises during a property repossession. The business had accumulated significant rent arrears and county court judgements.
Upon inspection, bailiffs found the premises in severe disrepair. Broken windows, damaged coffins, inadequate refrigeration, water damage and a pungent odour characterised the facility where bodies were stored. The condition of the deceased raised immediate concerns amongst authorities.
The investigation revealed systematic failures affecting numerous families. Elkin had displayed a forged Certificate of Funeral Directing from the National Association of Funeral Directors in the office. One family was falsely informed their loved one had been cremated on 4 December, whilst the body remained decomposing at the Nobes Avenue address for 36 days.
Elkin initially claimed insurance payment delays prevented the cremation, but investigators proved payment from a pre-arranged funeral plan had been received. Bell later admitted to police she had received payment but “did not have the time” to arrange the cremation.
Prosecutors argued the defendants operated an insolvent business model, using new payments to settle existing debts rather than providing contracted services.
Following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court beginning 17 November 2025, both defendants were found guilty on all charges.
Richard Elkin was convicted of intentionally causing public nuisance between June 2022 and December 2023, preventing lawful burial of a deceased person, carrying on business with intent to defraud creditors, and making and using false instruments.
Hayley Bell was convicted of intentionally causing public nuisance, preventing lawful burial, and fraudulent business practices over the same period.
Both defendants have been granted bail ahead of sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court on 19 February.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo stated: “Mr Elkin and Ms Bell betrayed trust in the worst way possible. They left bodies unrefrigerated for extended periods, causing significant public harm.”
He emphasised the need for legislative reform and improved regulation within the funeral industry, noting officers had utilised centuries-old common law to secure convictions.
Rachel Robertson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wessex, commented: “Today’s verdict delivers justice for families whose trust was grossly abused. Elkin and Bell showed grave disregard for the dignity owed to the deceased and grieving families.”
She added that whilst nothing could undo the damage caused, the convictions should bring comfort to affected families.
The case represents one of the first prosecutions of its kind in the UK, highlighting gaps in funeral industry oversight and the vulnerability of bereaved families to unscrupulous operators.
