"Our laws in this area are unfit for purpose" - Gosport MP calls for modernising of laws after "tragic" Elkin & Bell Funerals case
The MP for Gosport has reacted after funeral directors were found guilty of preventing the lawful burial of a body in her constituency.
Dame Caroline Dinenage expressed her sympathies with the victims of Richard Elkin, 49, and Hayley Bell, 42, who ran Elkin & Bell Funerals on Nobes Avenue.
The funeral directors were found guilty of numerous offences at Portsmouth Crown Court today (December 12) and will be sentenced on February 19 with the judge telling them to “prepare” themselves for prison.
Caroline said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this tragic case. We all expect the utmost respect and care for our loved ones. Families that lent their trust have been let down by Elkin and Bell, and I welcome the judgement.
"I have been aware of this case for a long time, but I haven't been able to speak publicly about it due to the investigation and trial.
"I want to pay tribute to the Police and the CPS who have had to work extremely hard to bring charges. Our laws in this area are unfit for purpose, and that isn't fair for victims and their families. I want to work with the Police, CPS, and victims' families to modernise our laws and give our deceased the dignity of proper funeral care. Today's judgement moves us a step in the right direction.
"My office is open to anyone who has been affected by this case."
The shocking case saw one family believe that their loved-one had already been cremated when in fact they were still mortuary lying in the mortuary decomposing after 36 days. The premises were found to be in a state of disarray with broken windows, used coffins, a lack of refrigeration, and water dripping through the ceiling.
A need for new legislation was also highlighted by assistant chief constable Paul Bartolomeo from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary following today’s verdict.
He said: “We need to make sure this never happens again. As a police service, if something doesn’t feel right it is important that we trust our instincts and do everything we can to support members of the community in their time of need.
“In this case, our officers turned over every stone to bring Elkin & Bell to justice using legislation that is hundreds of years old. This also would not have been possible without the determination and support of our partners at the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Sadly we are aware of other similar cases across the country . We need new legislation rather than relying on common law. We also need better regulation. Combined this can help ensure that all funeral directors act, as the majority do, with professionalism and compassion.”