A woman has been imprisoned for sharing a bed with her deceased partner for three weeks. Sally Smithson, 61, admitted to obstructing the proper burial of a body after her partner, John Blackwell, passed away around October 1 last year. Authorities only found Blackwell’s body on October 21, in an advanced state of decay due to his serious heart condition.

During the trial at Oxford Crown Court, it was revealed that Blackwell likely died from a heart attack. The prosecution described the couple’s tumultuous relationship, marked by alcohol-fueled arguments and domestic abuse. Smithson had a history of violence against Blackwell, with several previous convictions.

According to the prosecutor, Blackwell’s body was discovered in a decomposed state on the bedroom floor, with no signs of foul play. Smithson had been sharing the bed with the deceased for the entire three-week period. The court was informed that the last confirmed sighting of Blackwell alive was on September 19, and suspicions arose when the couple’s cleaner noticed repeated cancellations around that time.

Neighbors reported seeing Smithson behaving erratically, peeking through windows, and sending text messages from Blackwell’s phone post-mortem to conceal his death. Smithson misled others by claiming Blackwell was out or recovering from a hospital visit when asked about his whereabouts. It was the cleaner who finally alerted the authorities on October 21.

During sentencing on February 20, Smithson, a resident of Clare near Thame in South Oxfordshire, received a 14-month jail term from Judge Michael Gledhill KC. The judge condemned the offense, emphasizing the disregard for public decency and the seriousness of the situation. Smithson expressed remorse and understanding of her actions, stating that she was devastated by the outcome.

For support related to domestic abuse, individuals can contact the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) provides specialized support for those affected by fatal domestic abuse; more information is available at www.aafda.org.uk.