Harry Mabey

The police have found the body of my eldest son in an old sea chest in the shed in the backyard. I put him there nearly 15 years ago. I went to my son's bedroom and found him dead on the floor. I afterwards got the sea chest and put my son into it. My husband stood by me while I did it.

I afterwards nailed the box down and let it stay in the room for about seven years. I used to go into the room and keep it clean and tidy. We moved to Albany Road, taking the sea chest with us on a barrow, my husband and I pushing the barrow together.

The chest stood outside the back door for about seven years. Then I thought the wet would get through and moved the chest into the shed, were it has been ever since. I was a good mother to him and always did my best for him.

I did it to shield others. It cannot be said I neglected him, because I looked after him for 21 years. I did not attempt to get rid of the body. I loved him.