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Funeral director pleads guilty to 30 burial offences
A Hull-based funeral director has admitted 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial after authorities discovered 35 bodies and over 100 sets of ashes at his premises. Robert Bush, 48, also pleaded guilty to theft from charities and fraud involving funeral plans.
Shocking discoveries at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors
Police raided Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in March 2024, uncovering 35 bodies, including four babies lost in pregnancy, and more than 100 sets of ashes. One body had been stored at the parlour for a year. Bush had previously admitted presenting families with the ashes of strangers.
During a 24-minute hearing at Hull Crown Court, Bush stood in the dock wearing a dark grey three-piece suit and quietly pleaded guilty to each charge as they were read out. Judge Mr Justice Hilliard indicated a custodial sentence was inevitable but released Bush on bail ahead of his sentencing on 27 July.
Families express outrage and betrayal
Around a dozen family members of victims remained composed in the public gallery but expressed fury outside court. Some pursued Bush along Chapel Lane, shouting, "You're a pig" and "You're a monster, Bush."
"Bush is a pure, true monster. It's like being in a horror film. What hurts us is that Bush has pleaded guilty but he is allowed to walk out of court today. He should have been remanded."
Michaela Baldwin, whose stepfather was among the bodies found
Tristan Essex, whose grandmother Jessie Stockdale was identified through DNA, said Bush had deceived the family. "We'd been in there a few times afterwards to get the ashes transferred and the whole time my grandma was there in the back, just rotting," he said.
Calls for industry regulation grow
Karen Dry, who organised monthly vigils for victims' families, called for a public inquiry to prevent future occurrences. "There is an enduring sense of deep betrayal, emotional stress and damage caused by this individual to many families right across this city," she said.
Detective Superintendent Alan Curtis described the emotional harm as "simply unimaginable" and praised families for their strength. "Bush betrayed trust," he said.
Labour MP Emma Hardy, representing Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice, welcomed the guilty pleas but expressed concerns that a public inquiry could delay action. She referenced the David Fuller inquiry and urged immediate reforms based on existing evidence.
Industry leaders pledge reforms
The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) are working with the government to introduce stricter regulations. Proposed measures include an independent inspection regime, clear rules for the care and transport of the deceased, and a Commissioner for the Deceased to ensure accountability.
"Together we will introduce a robust yet proportionate form of regulation that requires all practitioners providing care to the bereaved and the deceased to meet a rigorous set of standards."
Terry Tennens, SAIF Chief Executive
The government is expected to respond to calls for tighter regulation later this year.
Scope of the offences
Bush admitted to 35 counts of fraud by false representation and one count of fraudulently running a business, relating to the sale of funeral plans involving over 150 individuals. Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC said up to 240 victim impact statements would be submitted before sentencing.
The charges span from May 2012 to March 2024, covering a decade of alleged misconduct.
