Former undertaker Robert Bush appeared at Hull Crown Court on July 27, 2026, for the start of a five-day sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to 67 offenses, including preventing the lawful burial of 35 bodies discovered at his business premises.
Humberside Police raided Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road in Hull in March 2024 following suspicions raised by outside undertakers.
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Investigators found dozens of unburied bodies in decaying states alongside more than 100 sets of uncremated human ashes and stolen charitable donations.
According to prosecutor Chris Paxton KC, officers uncovered remains left on stretchers and cold storage racks, including an 18-week stillborn baby wrapped in wristbands inside a paper bag.
Personal items such as flowers, cards, and teddy bears intended for the deceased were found swept across the dirtied facility floor.
Victims Describe Betrayal and Distress
Family members testified during the hearing, recounting how they were handed stranger ashes in decorative boxes and paper bags while their deceased relatives remained unburied at the parlor for months.
"Bush operated within the heart of the community for around 14 years, entrusted by hundreds of bereaved families in their time of need," said Chris Paxton KC, prosecutor.
"Bush took advantage of us when we were at our most vulnerable. He abused his position of trust.
Why?" said Byron Lill, victim relative.
Karen King, victim daughter, told the court she had placed the provided ashes into lockets after her father's passing before discovering his body was recovered from the parlor 10 months later.
