Robert Bush sentenced following Legacy Independent Funeral Directors investigation

More than two years after we launched an unprecedented investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, Robert Bush has now been sentenced to twenty years imprisonment for the 67 offences to which he pleaded guilty.

He was also disqualified as a director for fourteen years.

The investigation began after we first received a report of a concern for the care of the deceased inside the funeral home on Hessle Road in March 2024.

Robert Bush, 48-years-old, formerly of Kirk Ella in East Yorkshire, was initially arrested on suspicion of preventing lawful and decent burials, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position when he landed at Heathrow Airport on his return from America a few days after we first received the report.

At Hull Crown Court in October 2025, Bush entered mixed pleas, admitting 36 offences but pleading not guilty to the remaining 31 charges. A trial date was set, however an additional hearing was then scheduled for April 2026, where Bush pleaded guilty to the remaining 31 charges.

A five-day sentencing hearing commenced at Hull Crown Court on Monday, 27 July 2026 and concluded today (Friday, 31 July 2026).

All 67 charges for which Bush has now been sentenced are as follows:

After receiving the initial report in March 2024, officers launched an investigation that uncovered the horrific circumstances surrounding the care of the deceased inside the funeral home.

In the building were the loved ones of 35 families, most of whom had been there much longer than necessary.

It soon became apparent as our enquiries progressed that families had been told their loved one had been cremated when this had not actually happened.  Some had also been given ashes despite no cremation having taken place.

As part of the investigation, forensic teams recovered large quantities of human ashes. Extensive forensic testing of the ashes was carried out to determine whether it was possible to extract DNA to identify whose ashes they were. Unfortunately, due to the high temperatures involved, the DNA had been destroyed to such an extent that recovering any was impossible.

As the investigation expanded, additional families were identified who never received ashes of their loved ones. These ashes were never found.

Detectives also uncovered Bush’s fraudulent trading in relation to funeral plans and theft from charities whereby Bush failed to send donations onto charities chosen by the families in memory of their loved ones.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Alan Curtis said: “From the moment this investigation began, our focus has been on the families left heartbroken by what happened at Legacy Funeral Directors.

“Behind every enquiry and every item of evidence was a person who had died, a family who had lost a loved one, all of whom were seeking answers, and where possible, some measure of resolution.

“The distress and heartbreak that this investigation has caused for families is simply unimaginable, and even after working on this case rigorously over the last couple of years, the sheer impact this has had on our whole community, and further afield, remains unprecedented.

“When we first attended the premises, it quickly became clear that there were two different sides to the business. On the one hand Bush’s business which was open to the public presented under the façade of being organised and well presented, then delving behind the scenes depicted one of complete disarray.

“This mess only continued to multiply, translating into his finances, accounts, and overall record keeping.

“Robert Bush was a one-man band, the one centrally in control of Legacy. He controlled the finances, the care of the deceased, and the cremations. He was heavily in debt, a poor businessman, and treated the deceased in a way that revealed his questionable moral and ethical compass.

“He exploited people during some of the most difficult times in their lives, taking money for services that were not delivered and failing families at a time they needed him most.

“The damage Bush has caused is quite possibly irreparable, with so many victims who have suffered and continue to do so. Losing a family member or friend you love, and care deeply about can be one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through, and Robert Bush took advantage of this.

“There is absolutely no sentence that can be given to Robert Bush that will undo the hurt that has been caused. Many families have had to relive the loss of someone they loved, while others will continue to live with questions that may never be answered. My hope is that today’s outcome provides some measure of resolution that Robert Bush has been held accountable for what he did.

“This investigation has been extraordinary in terms of its complexity, scale, and public impact, which has extended far beyond the evidential process. It is the biggest and most complex investigation in Humberside Police history; we seized just short of 3,000 exhibits, 12,000 items of disclosure, 800 witness statements were taken, and over 300 victims affected, but in reality, it is impossible to know how many people have truly been affected by this case. You cannot go into Hull City Centre without bumping into or knowing someone who has been impacted in some way.

“No police investigation of this size is ever carried out by one team alone. Detectives, Family Liaison Officers, Crime Scene Investigators, specialist staff, Call Handlers, forensic and financial experts, and officers and staff from every part of the force played a part.

“We made a commitment that the families would remain at the heart of everything we did and it is because of all the teams’ unwavering dedication and hard work that we have kept our promise to them and ultimately achieved the outcome we have today.

“What happened at Legacy Funeral Directors is the unthinkable, and the details have shocked the entire country. No matter what walk of life we’re from, we will all encounter death and this case has understandably raised concerns; and led people to question funeral plans not only for their loved ones, but also for themselves.

“Partner agencies and their involvement was absolutely critical to the success of the investigation from start to finish, and I’d like to take a moment to also thank them; Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the Coroner, the Crown Prosecution Service, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, bereavement services, and National Crime Agency who were key in assisting us with specialist skills and forensic work, as well as supporting the Family Liaison team due to the sheer number who had to be deployed. In addition, our Regional Organised Crime Unit supported with specialist resources and forensic accountants, and of course Victim Support who were absolutely critical, setting up a support line where over 1500 calls were received in the first week of receiving the report.

“Finally, from the very beginning, the families and all those affected in this case have always remained at the heart of our investigation. Their understanding, support and contribution throughout the duration of the enquiry has been truly invaluable and without them, we simply could not have achieved the outcome we have today.

“They have demonstrated extraordinary strength, resilience and courage in this case of unimaginable circumstances, and that will stay with me for the rest of my career.

“We do what we do to try and deliver justice to people who can’t get justice for themselves. Our thoughts remain with all those affected, and we will always remember the lives of those who were entrusted to Legacy Funeral Directors.”

Humberside Police Assistant Chief Constable Andy Walker said: “This has been one of the largest and most complex investigations ever carried out by Humberside Police.

“Our focus for the last two years has been delivering justice for the devastated families who are at the heart of this case

“Robert Bush’s actions have had a profound effect on so many people; we have been determined to make sure that we kept them at the heart of everything we have done, every step of the way.

“We also know that the effects of this case will be far-reaching and will have an impact in our local communities and beyond for a very long time.

“I offer my sincere thanks to everybody involved; families - for their patience and understanding as we progressed the case, Humberside Police officers and staff for their dedication and determination to ensure Robert Bush was held to account, and our partners here in Hull and the East Riding who have been crucial in providing support and care to those involved.”

Julie Butcher, Area Manager for Victim Support Humberside, said: “Our thoughts today continue to be with family, friends and loved ones who have been affected by this case.  This is one more significant moment in this case and will have a far-reaching effect.

“Victim Support has been available to support anyone affected by this incident since the start of the investigation and will continue to be available for contact.

“We continue to provide free, independent and specialist support for anyone who has been affected in any way.  You can find more information about our service at www.affectedbycrime.com.  You can also contact us by calling 0808 28 111 36 to speak to someone.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside Jonathan Evison said: “I send my heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this terrible situation and hope this sentencing can begin to provide some closure to allow you to mourn those you have lost.

“Those officers, staff and support services that have worked tirelessly and diligently through appalling circumstances to ensure justice was done deserve a tremendous amount of respect and our deepest gratitude.

“This has been a traumatic situation for so many people. Know that this sentencing does not mean the end of emotional and practical support available through specialist services, including Victim Support.”

Laura Tams, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Robert Bush has been imprisoned today for multiple offences in connection with the operation of the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors premises in Hull.

“These crimes represent some of the most serious breaches of trust possible in the funeral industry. They include preventing the lawful and decent burial of loved ones, defrauding families who paid for services never provided, returning incorrect ashes to grieving relatives, fraudulent trading of funeral plans, and the theft of charitable donations made in memory of the deceased.

“The impact on the families and wider community has been profound. At their most vulnerable time, when seeking dignity and closure for their loved ones, these families were subjected to appalling violations of trust.

“I want to take this opportunity to share my deepest condolences to all those who have been affected. Learning that their relatives' remains had not received proper care, and that some received the wrong ashes, has caused immeasurable additional grief and trauma.

“This has been an extraordinarily complex and challenging case for our specialist prosecution team. Working closely with Humberside Police, we were able to review extensive evidence at pace to authorise these charges and build a comprehensive case that reflects the scale and severity of these offences. Also, we would like to thank partner organisations in Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire for their supportive work during this case.

“While nothing can undo the harm caused to these families, we hope today's sentence represents an important step in justice for all those who have suffered from these deplorable actions.”

Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Anne Handley said: "East Riding of Yorkshire Council recognise the profound impact this case has had on families, loved ones and the wider community, and thank you for your strength, patience and respect throughout the investigation.

"Together with our partners we have always had those affected at the very centre of our work and this approach will continue after today's sentencing. 

"We hope our ‘Butterfly Grove’ memorial garden at Lelley Fields Crematorium will be a special place for families and anyone affected to remember their loved ones.

"We stand with the families and local businesses working in the funeral industry and support the call for national regulation and a review of standards to build trust in our communities."

The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: "The thoughts of everyone at Hull City Council are with the victims of this devastating and unprecedented situation, who we will continue to support beyond today's sentencing. 

“It is absolutely clear that there needs to be regulation of the funeral sector, something so many are now calling for, to ensure that the dreadful acts that occurred in this case can never happen again. 

“The council will continue to do all it can to work with those who want to bring change, which is the very least that people in our city deserve after the horrors they've experienced during the last few years."

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