Former sailor's body '˜treated like rubbish'

Paul Jackson, 40, moved the body of his neighbour Nicholas Clark, who had died from natural causes and buried it under debris in a yard, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Mr Clark’s body was found wrapped in tarpaulin when the yard was cleared in April last year.

Jackson, of Patchway, Bristol, pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial, theft and allowing the production of cannabis. He was sent to prison for three-and-a-half years.

Anthony Whillier, 30, of Royal Victoria Park, Bristol, was sentenced to two years, suspended for two years, after admitting cannabis production.

After the sentences, senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Mike Williams told of the disgust police felt.

He said that Mr Clark, who served in the Portsmouth-based cruiser HMS Blake, had been treated like ‘a piece of rubbish’ by someone he regarded as a friend.

He said: ‘Nick Clark was a former helicopter engineer with the Royal Navy who served from 1967 to 1981.

‘He deserved respect for loyally serving his country but after he died from natural causes, his so-called friend and neighbour Paul Jackson treated his body like a piece of rubbish.

Mr Clark’s daughter Nichola told the judge that the former sailor’s family found ‘utterly shocking and disturbing.’