15 October 2025 , 21:03
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A former funeral director has pleaded guilty to more than 30 fraud charges after a major investigation into the discovery of human remains at his premises - but will face a trial after denying dozens of other claims.
Robert Bush, 47, was arrested in March 2024 after concerns were raised about "care for the deceased" at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.
Police seized 35 bodies, along with human ashes, prompting a 10-month inquiry.
Bush was charged in April this year with 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, relating to 30 different people, and 33 counts of fraud by false representation, mostly relating to the proper care of remains and the return of ashes.
He was also charged with one count of fraudulent trading relating to funeral plans and one of theft from several charities.
Appearing at Hull Crown Court on Wednesday wearing a grey suit and waistcoat, white shirt and mauve tie, Bush admitted 30 offences of fraud by false representation to families or friends of a deceased person.
The charges say that he dishonestly told bereaved families he would: properly care for remains in accordance with the normal expected practices of a competent funeral director; arrange for the cremation of those remains to take place immediately or soon after the conclusion of the funeral service; and provide the ashes of the deceased person after cremation to their next of kin.
Among the charges, he admitted four “foetus allegations”, relating to claims that he presented ashes to a customer falsely saying that they were “the remains of their unborn”.
Bush admitted one additional offence of fraudulent trading and five offences of fraud by false representation of Legacy customers.
He denied the charges of preventing lawful and decent burial and theft.
He will face a trial at Sheffield Crown Court on those charges in October next year. The trial is expected to last eight weeks.
Technology & Business Editor