[Tag:england-and-wales] Depending on the circumstances, hiding the bodies would be either [*Obstructing a Coroner* or *Preventing the Burial of a Body*](https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/public-justice-offences-incorporating-charging-standard) > 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*](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1971/48/section/1?timeline=false) or [*perverting the course of justice*](https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/public-justice-offences-incorporating-charging-standard), 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.