Two Individuals Charged Following Funeral Home Investigation

Charges have been brought against two individuals subsequent to a “complex investigation” concerning a funeral directors. Law enforcement initiated an inquiry into Elkin and Bell Funerals, located in Gosport, Hampshire, after receiving a report regarding the establishment on December 10, 2023. Richard Elkin, 48, and Hayley Bell, 41, both residing on Nobes Avenue, are accused of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a deceased individual, with the alleged offenses occurring between November 3, 2023, and December 11, 2023. Their court appearance is scheduled for December 19 at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court. Additionally, both individuals face charges of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance, alleged to have taken place between June 27, 2022, and December 11, 2023. They are also charged with operating a business with intent to defraud creditors or for another fraudulent purpose, spanning the period from August 10, 2022, to December 11, 2023. Elkin was further charged with: The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has cautioned the public against speculating about the details surrounding these charges. A spokesperson further stated, “This has been a complex investigation in which police have engaged with the affected families throughout, before submitting a file to the Crown Prosecution Service in June this year.”