A MAN who hid a woman's body under a bed in his Amesbury flat has been jailed.

Stan Lee Marvel, of no fixed address, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court for sentencing onThursday (October 24) for preventing the lawful burial of Samantha Dixon between November 27 and December 1 last year.

Samantha's body was found by police in a flat at Bence Court in Amesbury on November 30, after an anonymous tip off.

The court heard Marvel had discovered Samantha's body after returning from a trip to Bristol but failed to report the death.

A murder enquiry was initially launched, tests later revealed that her death was not suspicious.

Samantha's death, the court heard, was due to the "combined toxic effect of heroin and alcohol". 

Judge Susan Evans jailed the 36-year-old, for 10 months.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Taylor said: “This has been a tragic case from the outset and our thoughts are of course with Samantha’s family at this time.

“I know that the news of the initial murder investigation caused understandable concern for the local community, so we hope the conclusion of the case will bring this matter to a close.

“Regardless of how Samantha died, her family have lost a much-loved daughter, sister and mother, who no doubt continues to be dearly missed.

“I know the past year has been incredibly difficult for them and I would like to thank them for their continued co-operation with the police investigation.”