What started as a quiet business tucked away in Hull has now become the center of one of the most disturbing investigations in recent memory.
The funeral industry is built on trust, compassion, and dignity—but authorities say one man violated all of that over the course of more than a decade.
Funeral Boss Charged with Over 60 Offences
Robert Bush, a 47-year-old funeral director, has officially been charged with a staggering 63 offences.
These charges stem from a long-running investigation that began when human remains were found at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, his business based in Hull.
The bulk of the allegations are serious and deeply unsettling—30 counts of preventing lawful burials and another 30 counts of fraud tied to how bodies were handled at his facility between April 2023 and March 2024.
Accusations Stretch Back More Than a Decade
But the situation appears to go far beyond just one year.
Bush is also accused of falsely representing cremated ashes between August 2017 and March 2024.
On top of that, prosecutors say he was involved in fraudulent trading related to funeral plans stretching as far back as May 2012.
These alleged crimes span more than a decade, and the numbers are significant—50 victims are tied to the ashes-related fraud, while another 172 people were reportedly affected by fake or mishandled funeral plans.
Theft from Charities Also Under Scrutiny
Shockingly, Bush is also facing charges of stealing from 12 well-known charities.
The list includes groups like the Salvation Army, Help for Heroes, Macmillan Cancer Support, Dogs Trust, and the RNLI, among others.
The allegations suggest he diverted funds meant for charitable causes, compounding the scandal.
Courtroom Appearance Draws Public and Family Attention
Wearing a dark grey suit and a purple tie, Bush appeared for a brief hearing at Hull Magistrates’ Court.
During the five-minute session, he confirmed only his name, birth date, and current address.
He didn’t enter any pleas.
Families of some of the alleged victims followed the proceedings via video link.
He remained quiet and sat behind his solicitor as 30 of the most serious charges were read out, including the names of victims.
Because of their gravity, those charges will now be dealt with at the crown court level.
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed
District Judge Daniel Curtis granted Bush bail but with strict conditions.
He must report to Bridlington Police Station every weekday until his next appearance, which is scheduled for August 13 at Hull Crown Court.
After the hearing, Bush exited the court through a rear entrance, wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.
A police car accompanied the vehicle he left in.
Details of the Fraud Paint a Grim Picture
According to the charges, Bush allegedly misled grieving families by claiming he would respectfully care for their loved ones’ remains.
Prosecutors say he promised prompt cremations and assured families that the ashes returned were indeed those of their deceased relative.
Investigators believe these promises were false, and the mishandling of remains was systematic.
Police Investigation Spans Multiple Locations
Humberside Police first launched their investigation in March of last year.
It focused on three different Legacy Independent Funeral Directors’ sites in Hull and East Yorkshire.
The investigation has grown substantially since then, uncovering a web of alleged fraud, deception, and abuse of trust.
What Comes Next?
With the next court date set for mid-August, all eyes will be on Hull Crown Court.
Families are waiting for answers, and the wider community is still trying to process the scale of what’s been uncovered.
If found guilty, Robert Bush could face significant prison time—not just for the fraud and burial charges, but for the emotional trauma caused to so many grieving families.