Desecration of corpses

In answer to a written question from Ann Davies (Caerfyrddin, Plaid Cymru) asking the Secretary of State for Justice whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a separate criminal offence of desecration of a corpse, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the MoJ, Alex Davies-Jones, said this:

“The Government understands the concerns of bereaved families who are pressing for a review of the legislative framework around the desecration of corpses. While there is no specific offence of desecrating a corpse in England and Wales, other related offences can apply, such as preventing the lawful burial of a body. When the concealment or desecration of a body is linked to a homicide (to avoid detection, for example), the current sentencing framework treats this as an aggravating factor, ensuring robust sentences. The Government recognises that desecration could include a range of behaviours and is keeping the law under review. Continue reading →