Sandwell Council apologises to Tipton woman after human bones and a skull were found near her deceased husband's grave the day after his funeral
Sandwell Council has apologised to the family of a deceased man after bones, including a skull, were found discarded near his grave on the day of his funeral at Tipton Cemetery
Dawn Cotterell's husband died in 2022 after collapsing while playing football following complications from a blood clot.
However, the day after his funeral at Tipton Cemetery, in Sandwell, she says bones and even a skull were discovered in a skip near the grave.
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Speaking to the BBC, Ms Cotterell described being left traumatised by the incident, saying that she 'couldn't believe what was going on'.
"There was a skull and many, many bones," she said.
"I was just so traumatised, I just couldn't believe what was going on. It was unbelievable. I just wanted answers from Sandwell Council."
Now, the site operator, Sandwell Council, has apologised for the grim discovery, saying that it was an 'isolated' incident, and that an approach was agreed with the family 'to achieve an outcome aligned to their wishes'.
A council spokesperson said: "We are very sorry to hear the family is still experiencing a difficult time. Our bereavement services team worked tirelessly to support the family for many months. Thankfully, an approach was eventually agreed with the family to help achieve an outcome aligned to their wishes.
"Our actions were investigated by the Local Government Ombudsman, who was satisfied with Council processes."
While the authority paid for Mr Cotterell's body to be exhumed so that his grave could be lined to separate it from the surrounding soil, Ms Cotterell said that it has forced her family to endure the pain of a second funeral.
Ms Cotterell also said that the incident had left her questioning what dignity had been given to those whose bones were exhumed. She told the BBC that more than 400 bones had been removed.
The council spokesperson added: "We routinely update and maintain burial records in our cemeteries and crematoria; however, we are often reliant on information recorded many decades ago, which was the case in this instance.
"With many of the burials in this area not having any known next of kin, we could not identify anyone at the time to contact who may have been affected. Following a review of our approach, we believe that this was an isolated incident.
"Once again, we would like to pass on our sincere condolences and apologies to the family for any distress caused at the time."
Ms Cotterell added that she had rejected a final compensation offer of around £8,000 because it came with a non-disclosure form, which she was not prepared to sign.
She said: "They want to keep this quiet, but it's not about the money; it's about justice for my husband, it's the last thing I can do for him now.
"I'm on my own, and it's dragging me and my mental health down".
