Ex-Cornwall Funeral Boss Dodges Jail for Botching Burial
Jack Weekes, 32, former owner of J Weekes Funeral Directors in Millbrook, Cornwall, narrowly escaped prison after bungling the burial of an elderly woman. He was slapped with a 15-month sentence – but it was suspended for two years after he admitted guilt at Truro Crown Court.
The Shocking Story Behind the Delay
The victim, a woman in her 80s, was meant to be cremated on October 16, 2023, at Glyn Valley Crematorium. But paperwork problems stalled the cremation. Weekes let the memorial service go ahead anyway – and then lied to the registry, falsely claiming the body was cremated at Plymouth’s Weston Mill Crematorium.
In reality, the deceased’s remains sat at Weekes’ funeral home for more than six weeks before finally being cremated on December 1. The scandal has rocked the local community and raised serious questions about funeral home oversight.
Harsh Sentence But No Jail Time
- 15 months prison sentence, suspended for two years
- 300 hours community service to be completed within 12 months
- Mandatory mental health treatment
- £187 victim surcharge
Judge James Adkin warned Weekes: “One slip-up, and you’ll be behind bars with no second chance.”
Police and Family Speak Out
“Preventing a lawful burial is a profound breach of dignity,” said Detective Inspector Peter Gee, who led the investigation. “We hope this brings some closure to the family affected.”
The probe started in March 2024 after concerns about how remains were managed at the Millbrook funeral home. Police confirmed the offences only related to this one case. Other bodies were handled properly.
If you’ve been affected by crime, help is available. Contact Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit at 01392 475900.
