Ashes recovered from Legacy funeral home reburied

More than 100 sets of ashes were interred in a new memorial garden in Hull's Northern Cemetery

Ashes recovered during a police investigation into a Hull funeral home have been reburied in a new memorial garden.

The Bishop of Hull, The Right Reverend Dr Eleanor Sanderson, led a private service for families and loved ones at the city's Northern Cemetery.

Humberside Police began its inquiry into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors following a report of "concern for care of the deceased" in March 2024.

The firm's owner, Robert Bush, 47, is facing 65 criminal charges.

More than 100 sets of ashes were interred, after next of kin had given instructions for them to be placed into the memorial, Hull City Council said.

The garden is one of two being built, with the other under construction at Lelley Fields Crematorium near Preston in the East Riding.

Tracy Meyerhoff, the council's director of adult social care, said: "When we carried out our consultation about the memorial gardens, people at the heart of this incident were clear that they wanted their loved one's ashes to be laid to rest in a peaceful and private way.

"It was important to them and us that they were able to see this happen in a dignified and respectful manner at today's ceremony."

The service was led by The Bishop of Hull, The Right Reverend Dr Eleanor Sanderson

Mr Bush, formerly of Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire, but now of Otley, West Yorkshire, is charged with 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, and 30 counts of fraud by false representation relating to proper care of remains and return of ashes.

He is also charged with fraud and fraudulent trading and theft relating to money allegedly stolen from donations to charities.

He is due to appear at Hull Crown Court on 15 October.

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