Man hid father's body in cardboard box

A man has been jailed for 18 years and seven months after being found guilty of murdering his father and attempting to conceal the crime.

Thomas Sykes, 41, of Burton-on-Trent, was sentenced today (Tuesday 15 April) at Stafford Crown Court following his conviction last week after a two-week trial.

Concerns were first raised on 19 August 2022 when 67-year-old Anthony Sykes, known as Tony, had not been seen for several days. Officers attended the ground-floor flat on Byron Road in Tamworth, which Tony shared with his son Thomas.

While at the property, officers became suspicious of Thomas’s behaviour and conducted a search around the premises. Tragically, Tony’s body was discovered inside a cardboard box in a shed behind the flats. Nearby, police also uncovered a freshly-dug grave-sized hole and gardening tools in the garden.

Thomas Sykes was immediately arrested on suspicion of murder.

A forensic examination of the flat uncovered blood stains on the bedroom carpet and furniture, along with blood-soaked sections of carpet that had been cut out and hidden in a wheelie bin. A post-mortem confirmed Tony had suffered head and facial injuries and had died several days before he was found.

During interviews, Thomas denied any involvement in his father's death, claiming he had discovered Tony’s body and panicked, deciding to conceal it instead of notifying authorities.

Detective Superintendent Cheryl Hannan described the case as tragic, saying: “This is a tragic case of the death of a man at the hands of his own son. I am pleased with the sentence and that justice has been served.”

She also praised members of the public who helped bring the truth to light:

“We would like to thank the witnesses who, due to their diligence and looking out for their neighbour, ensured Tony was found and could be laid to rest appropriately. We would also like to thank those who came forward and gave evidence during the trial, ensuring justice for Tony.”

Tony’s death and the disturbing efforts to hide his body shocked the local community, but the sentence marks a significant step towards closure for those affected.