Hans Kristian Rausing, one of the heirs to the multibillion-pound Tetra Pak packaging dynasty, has appeared before West London magistrates court on a charge of preventing the lawful and decent burial of the body of his wife, Eva. He has not been tried, let alone convicted, and this piece is not concerned with the facts underpinning that charge, many of which are still unknown. Rather, it focuses on the peculiar and macabre offence with which Rausing has been charged.

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