Detectives have charged a man with preventing lawful burial after the body of a woman was located in Torquay on Tuesday 27 May.
Jamie Stevens, 51, of Reddenhill Road, Torquay, is due to appear at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court today [29 May] charged with the following two offences:
- Preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body between 21 May 2022 and 28 May 2025.
- Committing an act or series of acts with intent to pervert the course of justice between 10 April 2025 and 28 May 2025.
Detectives launched an investigation after a missing person report was received in April 2025. During enquiries, officers attended a flat on Upton Road on 27 May where a body was found.
Formal identification is yet to be completed. Enquiries continue in efforts to inform the next of kin of a local woman in her 30s.
A forensic postmortem is due to take place later this week and at this time the death is being treated as unexplained. We are working closely with forensic specialists to determine a cause and time of death.
A scene guard remains in place and police activity will continue at the scene over the coming days.
CQC inspection reports published for children's services in Torbay
Controversial heart attack patient ‘trial’ decision deferred
Retailers urged to sign up to innovative business crime reduction pilot
Torbay partnership delivers on bus service improvements
