HANS Rausing, one of Britain’s richest men, pleaded guilty today to a charge of preventing the lawful and decent burial of his wife Eva’s body.
Rausing also admitted driving a vehicle while unfit through drugs.
Police discovered the body of mother-of-four Mrs Rausing in an advanced state of decomposition after they arrested her husband – heir to the Tetra Pak millions – on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on July 9.
A post-mortem examination established that Mrs Rausing died on May 7 and had drugs in her system, including cocaine, Isleworth Crown Court, in west London, heard.
Mrs Rausing’s decomposing body was found in a fly-filled room in their luxury London home hidden under a pile of clothing and bin bags which had been taped together.
The court heard that Rausing told police in a statement after his arrest: “I do not have a very coherent recollection of the events leading up to and since Eva’s death.
“Safe to assure you that I have never wished her or done her any harm.”
Rausing’s statement continued: “I did not supply her with drugs.
“I have been very traumatised since her death.
“I do not know what caused her death. I did not feel able to confront the reality of her death.
“I do not feel, with the benefit of hindsight, that following her death I acted rationally.
“I tried to carry on as if her death had not happened and batted away any inquiries about her.”
He added: “I believe, in the period since Eva died, I have suffered some form of breakdown.”
Mrs Rausing, 48, was found beside a bed in an annexe on the second floor of the opulent house in Cadogan Place in Chelsea, London, which she shared with her 49-year-old husband.
The couple had a long history of drug abuse.
Rausing has been on bail since his arrest.
Bail was granted on condition that he reside at the Capio Nightingale Hospital, a private hospital in London, and only leave the building accompanied by a member of staff.
Rausing will be sentenced at a later date.