A court was recently informed about a man who discovered his former partner deceased on his sofa and subsequently concealed her remains with a blanket, leaving her body to remain undetected for several years.
Jamie Stevens, aged 51, continued to reside in his Devon, UK flat, where the body of Anouska Sites lay in the living room.
The Exeter Crown Court was told that Ms Sites was last seen in May 2022, yet her body wasn’t found until May 2025.
The prosecution, represented by Hollie Gilbery, reported that Ms Sites had been officially reported missing in April 2023.
“Inquiries confirmed she had last been seen by police in May the previous year,” she stated. “Regrettably, due to her vulnerabilities, which included mental health issues and addictions, she had frequent interactions with the police.”
Ms Gilbery indicated that inquiries were made with Stevens, Ms Sites’ former partner, regarding her whereabouts in April of this year.
“He informed the police that he had not been in contact with Ms Sites since February or March 2022,” she said.
On May 27, Stevens was contacted by the police once more, at which point he claimed he no longer resided at the flat, prompting officers to gain access to the premises.
“The attending officers described the flat as resembling that of a hoarder’s home, with rubbish, faeces, and bottled urine scattered throughout,” stated Ms Gilbery.
“During a search of the flat, police lifted a blanket in the living area and found a skeletal arm and hand beneath.
“Officers noted the presence of various fragranced items throughout the lounge, suggesting they were used to mask odors.”
Stevens, who was in a relationship with Ms Sites from 2011 to 2014, admitted to the police that the body was hers.
“He recounted that she arrived at his flat around January 2023, requesting to stay the night,” the prosecutor explained. “He retired to his own bed, leaving her in the living room.
“Upon returning the next evening at approximately 11:30 pm, expecting her to have left, Stevens instead found her lifeless on the sofa.
“He explained that he covered her body with a blanket and continued living in his bedroom, seldom visiting the lounge.”
Stevens had previously admitted to charges of preventing a lawful burial and obstructing the course of justice, resulting in a 14-month jail sentence.
The second charge was related to Stevens providing false information to police regarding his knowledge of Ms Sites’ whereabouts.
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