Former undertaker Robert Bush, based in Otley, West Yorkshire, is awaiting his sentencing today for committing 67 offenses over 12 years at his business, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull. The crimes impacted hundreds of victims, with one distressing case involving a stillborn baby boy whose remains were left on a floor for two years. The sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court, where over 200 victims provided statements, revealed that Bush defrauded 226 people by taking over £500,000 for unauthorized funeral plans.
The court learned that officers discovered 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes at Legacy’s Hessle Road premises in March 2024. Dr. Lloyd highlighted the disturbing conditions at the site, where bodies were left to decompose, and ashes were stored in an undignified manner. Personal belongings meant for coffins were found scattered on the floor, adding to the families’ distress.
Bush’s lavish spending on holidays, motorcycle racing, and home improvements while defrauding grieving families raised questions about his financial activities. The court also heard emotional statements from victims, including Jasmine Beverley, the mother of stillborn baby Sunny, expressing her anguish over the handling of her son’s remains.
The Bishop of Hull, Eleanor Sanderson, provided support to affected families, emphasizing the need for dignity and compassion in handling such sensitive matters. Humberside Police released images of the victims, highlighting the scale of Bush’s offenses. Prosecutors are seeking a lengthy prison sentence for Bush, whose case is deemed unprecedented due to the lack of clear sentencing guidelines for certain charges, including preventing a lawful burial.
The sentencing hearing, spanning five days, has been emotionally charged, with victims recounting the traumatic impact of Bush’s actions. Bush has admitted to his offenses, which range from preventing lawful burials to fraudulent activities, underscoring the magnitude of the case. The court proceedings are set to resume at noon today to determine the final outcome for Bush.
