Pair to stand trial after probe into funeral home

Two people are to stand trial charged with fraud and preventing lawful burial following a police investigation into a funeral directors.

Richard Elkin, 48, and Hayley Bell, 41, both of Nobes Avenue, Gosport, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday.

The pair entered not guilty pleas to a series of charges including intentionally causing public nuisance, preventing lawful burial of a dead body and carrying on a business fraudulently.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between August 2022 and December 2023.

Mr Elkin also entered not guilty pleas to having pepper spray and making and using a false instrument with intent for it to be believed as genuine.

Judge Michael Bowes KC set a trial date of 17 November and released the two defendants on conditional bail with a further hearing to be held in May.

Police began looking into Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport following a report made about the business on in December 2023.

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