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Depending on the circumstances, hiding the bodies would be either Obstructing a Coroner or Preventing the Burial of a Body

Any disposal of a corpse with intent to obstruct or prevent a coroner's inquest, when there is a duty to hold one, is an offence. The offence is a common law offence, triable only on indictment and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a fine.

The offence of preventing the burial of a body (indictable only, unlimited imprisonment) is an alternative charge. Proof of this offence does not require proof of the specific intent required for obstructing a coroner.

Burning the van could be either Criminal Damage by Arson or perverting the course of justice, again depending on the circumstances. The latter is committed when an accused:

  • does an act or series of acts;

  • which has or have a tendency to pervert; and

  • which is or are intended to pervert;

  • the course of public justice.

The offence is contrary to common law and triable only on indictment. It carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or a fine. The course of justice must be in existence at the time of the act(s). The course of justice starts when:

  • an event has occurred, from which it can reasonably be expected that an investigation will follow; or

  • investigations which could/might bring proceedings have actually started; or

  • proceedings have started or are about to start.

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