A man is accused of keeping a dead person’s body in a freezer at a Birmingham tower block for two years, whilst allegedly using his bank card. John Wainwright died aged 71 in September 2018 but it is understood his body was not discovered at Cleveland Tower on Holloway Head in the city centre until August 2020.
Damion Johnson is alleged to have used his card to withdraw cash and pay for goods as well as allegedly transferring money into his own account. The 52-year-old, now of Derby, has been charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body and three counts of fraud.
He appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court this week but was not required to enter a plea, Prosecutor Shairoz Ahmed stated the case can only be heard at a higher court.
No specific details of the allegations were aired during the short hearing. Christopher Walker, chair of the bench, said: “You face four charges and the most serious one can only be heard at a crown court and as such your case will be sent to Derby Crown Court.”
Johnson, of Sun Street, Stockbrook, Derby, was dressed in a black coat, light-coloured trousers and trainers whilst he was carrying a green bag. He was accompanied by a family member and granted bail to appear at Derby Crown Court next month.
The case was initially briefly heard at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court this month before the case was transferred to Derby due to the fact he now resides there.
