Former funeral director Robert Bush appeared at Hull Crown Court on July 27, 2026, for sentencing after admitting to widespread fraud and improper storage of human remains over 14 years.
Police discovered 35 bodies and half a tonne of human ashes at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in March 2024.
Investigators found that 31 of the deceased had already been buried or cremated, with families receiving incorrect ashes.
Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC told the court that Bush breached public trust on an industrial scale.
Authorities stated he defrauded customers of over £500,000 and accumulated nearly £3.1 million across his accounts.
Bush pleaded guilty to 67 charges, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful burial, 36 fraud-related offences, and one count of theft from 12 charities.
High Court Judge Mr Justice Hilliard remanded Bush in custody ahead of final sentencing.
Victims Express Grief and Anger
Joanne Moody, daughter of victim Peter Moody, said the ordeal broke her. “It’s crucified me,” she said, adding that knowing justice was being served provided some solace.
“It’s a pivotal point in our recovery.”
Moody described her father as a dedicated family man and former dock worker.
“My dad was a person, he was not just a number or a statistic,” she said, noting she still cannot delete his contact from her phone.
Tristan Essex, relative of victim Jessie Stockdale, criticized Bush for avoiding eye contact with families.
“He didn’t say it to me… he said it to the cameras,” Essex said. “He’s only sorry that he got caught.”
Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, said Bush exploited grieving residents. “He tried to act like he cared, like he was their friend,” she said.
Jerry Thompson, Chairman of the Hull Fishing Heritage Centre, condemned the theft of charity donations. “I do not know how he can sleep at night,” he said.
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Laura Tams expressed condolences.
“Learning that their relatives’ remains had not received proper care… has caused immeasurable additional grief and trauma,” she said.
During police questioning, Bush repeatedly answered “no comment.”
In a statement, he denied intentional wrongdoing, claiming he had made arrangements for funeral plans and was not responsible for donations.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled to continue over five days, with impact statements from more than 100 victims.
