A man who left his ex-girlfriend’s body on his sofa for over two years after her death has been sentenced to prison.
Jamie Stevens, 51, continued living in his Torquay, Devon flat after finding Anouska Sites dead in his living room. Exeter Crown Court heard that Ms Sites was last seen in May 2022, but her remains were only discovered in May 2024.
Stevens pleaded guilty on July 15 to preventing the lawful burial of a body and to acts intended to pervert the course of justice. Today, Judge Anna Richardson sentenced him to 14 months in prison.
Ms Sites, who would have been 36, was reported missing in April 2023. Police inquiries confirmed her last sighting was May 21, 2022. When questioned, Stevens falsely claimed he had last seen her in early 2022. Officers made repeated visits to the Upton Road flat — the last known address of both — but received no answer.
In May this year, detectives forced entry to the property and discovered a woman’s body, later confirmed to be Ms Sites. Stevens was arrested and admitted finding her dead after she stayed at his flat in January 2023. He said he panicked, covered her with a blanket, and continued living there, avoiding the lounge.
Prosecutor Hollie Gilbery described the flat as hoarder-like, with rubbish, faeces, and bottled urine scattered around. Fragranced items were found in the lounge, apparently to mask odors.
Judge Richardson called the case “absolutely tragic,” noting there was no evidence to dispute Stevens’ account of discovering Ms Sites already deceased. Police have confirmed her death is not being treated as suspicious, and a coroner’s file will be prepared.
Detective Inspector Jeanne Hellyer said Stevens had denied Ms Sites the dignity of a proper burial, adding that her thoughts were with the victim’s loved ones, who can now lay her to rest.
