Charges against artist’s brother, sister and mother to stay on file but prosecution ‘not in public interest’, says judge
The brother, sister and mother of a woman whose mummified remains were found on a mattress will not face trial, a judge has ruled.
Sean Morris, the recorder of York, decided on Tuesday that the charges – preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body without lawful excuse – should remain on file. “These three defendants suffer from an extremely rare mental affliction which has created a unique situation for the criminal courts,” he said.
Rina Yasutake, 49, a talented artist who was thought to have attended Cambridge University, was found dead on a mattress in September 2018. Her body had lain there for about six weeks.
