HULL — Robert Bush was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to 67 offences related to a 12-year pattern of misconduct at his funeral home in Hull. The owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Services was convicted of 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, among other charges involving fraud and the mishandling of human remains.

The sentencing followed a five-day hearing at Hull Crown Court where more than 80 victims provided statements detailing the impact of Bush’s actions. The 48-year-old from Otley, West Yorkshire, admitted to selling false funeral plans to 226 people over nearly 12 years, generating a total of £562,117 through the scheme.

Bush also stole money from funeral services that was intended for 12 separate charities. The court heard that he used these funds to support a lifestyle that included spending more than £42,000 on holidays between 2017 and 2024. Additional expenditures included £21,000 on motorcycle racing and £17,400 on home improvements during the same period.

The scale of the misconduct became apparent in March 2024 when police searched the Legacy premises at Hessle Road. Officers discovered 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes at the site. The remains were found in varying states of decomposition, with some bodies uncovered and lying on racks.

Investigators reported that damp and mould had spread to coffins and ash boxes, while dried body fluids and faeces were left on the mortuary floor. One naked body was found lying on a stretcher on the floor, and personal items such as flowers, rings, teddy bears and cards intended for loved ones had been swept under the floor.

The removal of the bodies took two days and involved several officers, including a disaster identification team. Due to the condition of the remains, bodies had to be identified by dental records, DNA examination or fingerprints. The case came to light in March 2024 when a worker at Bush’s funeral home told another firm’s directors that bodies had been at the site for years.

Among the most distressing discoveries was the remains of baby Sunny Beverley-Conlin, who was miscarried at 18 weeks in May 2022. Bush left the remains of Sunny Beverley-Conlin at Legacy for almost two years. PC Jason Sutcliffe found the remains in a brown paper bag on the floor.

Jasmine Beverley addressed the court regarding the loss of her son. "I trusted Rob with the most precious and important person in my life," she stated. She added that the reality she now lives with is that her baby boy Sunny has spent more time in Bush's possession than he ever did with his own family.

The body of 94-year-old Norman Bridger was also recovered at the Legacy premises 323 days after his death. About 50 people learned they had been given the wrong ashes for their loved ones, representing 22.1% of the 226 individuals who purchased plans.

Bush was arrested on 10 March while returning from a holiday in Arizona, US. The court heard that his offending came to light in March 2024 when he was on holiday in Arizona and asked the directors of another funeral firm to help with a body recovery while he was away. Upon his arrest, Bush told officers he had messed up everything and his whole world, using profanity to express his remorse.

Mr Justice Hilliard presided over the sentencing, noting that there were no sentencing guidelines and no maximum penalty for the offense of preventing a lawful burial, which accounts for 30 of the charges. The judge condemned Bush's behavior, stating the defendant was so preoccupied with his own enrichment that he behaved in a and disgraceful way towards the deceased.

"The awful truth is that anyone whose loved one went through Legacy at any time when it was operating can now have no confidence as to how they were treated or whose ashes they have," Mr Justice Hilliard stated. The judge emphasized the breach of trust inherent in the role of a funeral director.