Funeral director admits 36 charges and denies others
Robert Bush leaving Hull Crown Court
- Published
A former funeral director has pleaded guilty to 36 charges of fraud after a major investigation into human remains found at his premises, including four babies lost in pregnancy.
Robert Bush, 47, admitted 35 offences of fraud by false representation and another of fraudulently running a business, Hull-based Legacy Independent Funeral Directors relating to the sale of funeral plans.
He also denied 30 counts of preventing lawful and decent burials and one charge of stealing money from charity collection boxes, during a hearing at Hull Crown Court.
Bush, formerly of Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire and now living in West Yorkshire, will face a trial at Sheffield Crown Court on 5 October 2026.
Humberside Police began its inquiry into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors following a report of "concern for care of the deceased" in March 2024.
The force said four of the fraud by false representation counts related to "ashes provided to families following loss in pregnancy".
It took the court clerk 22 minutes to put all 67 charges to Bush, who wore a grey three-piece suit, a white shirt and purple tie.
There were gasps from the packed public gallery each time a not guilty plea was entered.
A woman heckled Bush from the gallery as he was ushered out of the courtroom at the end of the hearing.
Bush was bailed until his next court appearance.
Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here, external.
Download the BBC News app from the App Store, external for iPhone and iPad or Google Play, external for Android devices