Trial Date Set for Pair Charged with Fraud After Funeral Directors Probe
Two individuals face trial for fraud and related charges following a police investigation into their funeral business
Gosport, UK, Fraud, Funeral Directors, Police Investigation
Gosport: So, there’s this case going on with two folks, Richard Elkin and Hayley Bell, who are in a bit of hot water. They’re facing some serious charges, including fraud and preventing lawful burial. It all started after a police investigation into their funeral home.
They showed up at Portsmouth Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to a bunch of charges. It’s a pretty wild situation, as they’re accused of causing public nuisance and running their business in a fraudulent way.
Elkin also has some extra charges for having pepper spray and using a fake document. The judge, Michael Bowes KC, set the trial date for November 17 and let them go on bail for now, but they’ll have to check in again on May 12.
After the charges were announced, a spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary mentioned that this was a complex investigation. They’ve been in touch with the families affected and are asking everyone to hold off on speculation while the legal process unfolds.