A funeral director, Robert Bush, 47, has appeared in court facing 63 charges stemming from a lengthy investigation into mishandling human remains at his Hull funeral business.
Bush stands accused of 30 counts each of preventing lawful burial and fraud by false representation, relating to bodies found at the firm’s Hessle Road premises between April 2023 and March 2024. Additionally, he faces a charge of fraud connected to human ashes dating back to August 2017, and a count of fraudulent trading over funeral plans spanning from May 2012 to March 2024.
Further allegations include theft from 12 well-known charities, such as the Salvation Army, Macmillan Cancer Support, Help for Heroes, and the Dogs Trust, among others.
Dressed in a dark grey three-piece suit with a purple tie and pocket square, Bush confirmed only his personal details during a brief hearing at Hull Magistrates’ Court. He did not enter any pleas as the charges, which include 30 named victims, were read aloud. Some victims’ families joined via video link.
Bush, originally from Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire, but now residing in Otley, West Yorkshire, was informed that 30 of the charges would be sent to Hull Crown Court for trial. His case was adjourned until August 13.
District Judge Daniel Curtis granted bail on the condition that Bush report daily to Bridlington Police Station from Monday to Friday.
After the hearing, Bush left the court discreetly, wearing a baseball cap and dark glasses, accompanied by a police escort.
The fraud charges accuse Bush of falsely claiming he would “properly care for the remains of the deceased” and ensure cremations and ashes were handled respectfully and promptly, which victims allege did not happen.
Humberside Police initiated the investigation in March last year, examining Legacy Independent Funeral Directors across several Hull and East Yorkshire locations.
