Steven Wales, 61, has been jailed for two years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to hiding the body of Paul Smith. Smith's body, known as "Smigger", was discovered in a wheelie bin in Everton, Liverpool, on 22 July last year.
The court heard that Wales found Smith's body in his bath and moved it into the bin, which he then concealed behind derelict houses. Judge Neil Flewitt noted that while Smith's death was attributed to mixed drug toxicity, the precise circumstances remain uncertain, with Wales' account raising questions.
Smith, 40, was believed to have started a fire on 15 July last year at the St Helens home of Sheila Jackson, 83, and Eric Greener, 77. The couple died in hospital from their injuries. Earlier this year, Kevin Weetman, Kylie Maynard, and Lee Owens were jailed for the manslaughter of Jackson and Greener.
Wales pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful and decent burial, stating he "panicked" as he was on licence and feared returning to prison. Smith's family expressed their belief that Wales has not told the full truth about what happened to Paul, describing him as "selfish" and a "coward".