Woman from Clare jailed for 14 months after sleeping next to her partner’s decomposing body for three weeks following his death from a heart attack in Oxfordshire

Residents of Clare, a small community near Thame in Oxfordshire, are still trying to process a case that feels more like the plot of a grim crime drama than something that unfolded behind the curtains of a neighbour’s home.

What appeared at first to be a private tragedy slowly turned into a criminal matter that shocked even seasoned court officials.

At the centre of it all is 61-year-old Sally Smithson, who has now been jailed after admitting she prevented the lawful and decent burial of her partner.

The Death of John Blackwell

Her partner, 71-year-old John Blackwell, is believed to have died around October 1 last year.

He had long suffered from a serious heart condition, and the suspected cause of death was a heart attack.

There were no signs of injuries when authorities eventually found him, reinforcing the belief that he died of natural causes.

Mr Blackwell had last been seen alive on September 19.

What raised early alarm bells was the sudden cancellation of the couple’s cleaner on several occasions.

That unusual change prompted suspicion and ultimately led police to the property on October 21.

What they discovered inside was deeply unsettling.

A Scene That Disturbed Even the Court

Prosecutor Charles Ward-Jackson told Oxford Crown Court that Mr Blackwell’s body was found lying naked on the bedroom floor, flat on his back.

By that point, it was in an advanced stage of decomposition.

The television was still on. The bed had clearly been slept in.

For approximately three weeks, Smithson had continued living in the home — sleeping in the same room — while her partner’s body remained on the floor.

Judge Michael Gledhill KC did not hide the gravity of the situation during sentencing.

While he acknowledged that Mr Blackwell appeared to have died from natural causes, he described the offence as “very grave and serious” and said it was an affront to standards of public decency.

A Relationship Marked by Turmoil

The court also heard that the couple’s relationship had been turbulent.

There were references to drunken arguments and domestic violence.

That volatile dynamic painted a complicated picture of life inside the home before Mr Blackwell’s death.

Smithson, according to the judge, had previously led a stable and law-abiding life before first appearing in court in 2018.

Her fall from what was described as a “perfectly honest and sensible life” added another layer of sadness to the case.

Cases involving the failure to report a death are rare in the UK, but when they occur, they often raise questions about mental health, dependency, grief responses, and isolation — especially among older couples.

While no formal psychiatric defence was presented in this case, situations like this sometimes involve elements of denial or an inability to cope with sudden loss.

The Legal Consequences

Smithson pleaded guilty to one charge of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body.

Under UK law, this offence applies when someone unlawfully interferes with the proper handling and burial of a deceased person.

On February 20, she was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

Although Mr Blackwell’s death was ruled as natural, the law draws a clear line when it comes to how the deceased must be treated.

Authorities emphasise that once a person dies, there is a legal duty to report it promptly so that appropriate steps can be taken.

Community Reaction and Broader Questions

News of the case has unsettled the local community.

Clare is not known for high-profile criminal proceedings, and neighbours described the couple as largely private.

Beyond the immediate shock, the case highlights broader issues.

Social isolation among older adults has become an increasing concern across the UK.

When relationships are strained or volatile, and support networks are thin, tragic situations can escalate in unexpected ways.

There are also difficult conversations about mental health and how people respond to sudden bereavement.

While grief can trigger irrational behaviour, the court made clear that legal obligations remain.

What’s Next?

Smithson will serve her 14-month custodial sentence, though under UK sentencing guidelines, she may be eligible for release on licence after serving half of that term.

Upon release, she could be subject to supervision conditions.

There is no indication of further charges related to Mr Blackwell’s death, as it was determined to be from natural causes.

However, this case may prompt renewed attention on safeguarding checks for vulnerable adults and stronger awareness about the legal responsibilities surrounding death reporting.

For the community, what comes next is likely quiet reflection.

For Smithson, the next chapter will unfold within the prison system — followed by the challenge of rebuilding her life after serving her sentence.

Summary

Sally Smithson, 61, from Clare near Thame in Oxfordshire, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after pleading guilty to preventing the lawful and decent burial of her partner, John Blackwell, 71.

Mr Blackwell, who had a serious heart condition, is believed to have died from a heart attack around October 1.

His body was not discovered until October 21, by which time it was in an advanced state of decomposition.

The court heard that Smithson continued sleeping in the same bedroom for approximately three weeks after his death.

Although the death was from natural causes, the court ruled that her failure to report it constituted a serious criminal offence.

She has now begun serving her sentence, and the case has left the local community deeply shaken.