Funeral Director Faces 64 Charges After 10-Month Police Probe

A funeral director has been charged with 64 offences following a police raid that uncovered 35 bodies and human ashes at his Hull funeral home.

Robert Bush, 47, faces 30 counts of preventing a lawful burial and 30 counts of fraud by false representation in connection with the remains discovered at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in March last year.

Additionally, he has been charged with fraudulent trading related to funeral plans involving 172 victims between May 2012 and March 2024, as well as fraud concerning human ashes affecting 50 victims between August 2017 and March 2024, according to Humberside Police.

Bush is also accused of two counts of theft from charities between September 2022 and March 2024.

He is scheduled to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on June 25.

A 55-year-old woman who was arrested in July 2024 has been released without further action, police confirmed.

A month after the investigation began in March last year, Humberside Police reported receiving over 2,000 calls on a dedicated hotline, with many callers expressing concerns about identifying their loved ones' ashes.

Authorities also confirmed that DNA testing could not be used to identify the ashes, a revelation that was expected to be deeply upsetting for families.

During a press conference, Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall stated that the investigation began on March 6, 2024, after concerns were raised about the handling of deceased individuals at three Legacy Independent Funeral Directors locations in Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire.

Following a complex and sensitive 10-month inquiry, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on January 16 for review.

Marshall confirmed that Bush, formerly of Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire, now faces 64 charges linked to the case.

Families of the 35 deceased have been updated on the latest developments, and initial contact has been made with additional victims.

Marshall urged the public to avoid speculation or comments that could jeopardize the case, emphasizing that the families remain the investigation’s top priority.

At the same press conference, Julie Butcher from Victim Support reassured those affected that help is available.

Her organization, an independent charity, offers free and confidential support tailored to individual needs, whether or not victims have been in contact with the police.

She encouraged anyone impacted to reach out through their website or by calling 0808 28 111 36.