Overview

• Robert Bush, 47, faces 30 counts of preventing lawful burial and 30 counts of fraud by false representation over bodies recovered at his Hessle Road premises between April 2023 and March 2024.
• He is also charged with one count of fraudulent trading for selling funeral plans affecting 172 customers, one count of fraud related to human ashes covering 50 victims, and theft from 12 charities.
• Humberside Police recovered 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes in April 2024 and later linked the remains to 254 victims, while forensic analysis found DNA identification of ashes impossible.
• Legacy Independent Funeral Directors owed £40,938 in council fees and £5,000 in utility bills when the investigation began, highlighting gaps in funeral home oversight.
• Humberside Police and Victim Support have reached out to affected families and are coordinating ongoing assistance as the case progresses to Crown Court.