A funeral director has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraud – including handing unidentified ashes to the parents of four stillborn babies – after the remains of at least 30 people were discovered at his premises in Hull.
Robert Bush, 47, is charged with 67 offences, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful burial and a fraudulent trading charge in relation to the funeral plans of multiple people spanning more than 12 years to March 2024.
He is also accused of fraud in relation to ashes he gave to a number of other alleged victims, four alleged instances of which relate to foetuses.
Appearing at Kingston-upon-Hull crown court on Wednesday, Bush pleaded guilty to fraudulently taking money from bereaved families for funeral services for 12 years.
Standing behind a glass-enclosed dock just feet from families affected, Bush spoke quietly as he admitted misleading the relatives of 30 deceased people whose bodies were found at the premises of Legacies Independent Funeral Directors.
One of those bodies was that of an unborn baby whose remains were recovered from the Hessle Road property when it was raided by police last March. He admitted “dishonestly [making] false promises” to the parents of four babies who died during childbirth and who are believed to have been given the ashes of other people over seven years.
He pleaded not guilty to preventing a decent and lawful burial in relation to 30 dead people, and denied stealing money from 12 charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, the Salvation Army, the RNLI and Help for Heroes.
Bush, who arrived at court wearing a baseball cap and a covering over his face, showed no emotion as he entered the pleas beside security officers. He stood with his hands clasped in front of him as the court clerk read the details of 67 charges against him, a process that lasted almost 30 minutes.
Bush was told by the judge, John Thackray KC, that he would go on trial in relation to the alleged offences at Sheffield crown court on 5 October next year. He was released on bail and told he would be sentenced for the 36 admitted offences after his trial, which is expected to last eight weeks.
In a statement after the hearing on Wednesday, Humberside police said: “We are unable to provide any further details or information at this time to ensure judicial proceedings are not jeopardised. Further comment will be made available on conclusion of all court hearings, at which time the offences he has pleaded guilty to will also be dealt with.
“Victim Support continues to be available for anyone affected by the incident. If you require support, you can contact them by calling 0808 28 111 36.”
