Man lived with dead body at his house for eight days

A MAN is facing a prison sentence after living with a dead body at his home for eight days without contacting emergency services.

Mark Sheldon pleaded guilty to an offence of preventing a lawful and decent burial over the incident in Wakefield.

The 51-year-old defendant admitted the offence at a plea hearing at Leeds Crown Court.

The charge relates to the death of Gareth Oldroyd, who is believed to have died at a house on Esther Grove, Lupset, on December 22, 2018.

James Lake, prosecuting, said Mr Oldroyd died of a drug overdose at the property after staying with Sheldon and another man.

The prosecutor said: “The Crown’s case is that the deceased probably died on December 22, 2018, and the defendant was aware of it on the 22nd.

“There was no foul play whatsoever, but he panicked and did not report the death.”

Mr Lake said police were eventually contacted when Sheldon’s friend went to the house.

The court heard Sheldon then confessed that Mr Oldroyd’s body was in the living room and that he had found him dead days earlier.

Police discovered the body at the property on December 30, 2018.

Judge Christopher Batty adjourned sentencing to allow for a probation report and a report into the defendant’s health. The judge said he also wanted to give Mr Oldroyd’s relatives the opportunity of attending the hearing.

He said: “This is a very unusual case. The court needs to know as much about this defendant as possible.”

Sheldon, now of Victoria Grove, Wakefield, appeared in court via a video link from Armley jail. He was told he will remain in custody until his sentencing on June 30.