Bereaved families gasped in Hull Crown Court as they heard that animal remains were among the ashes returned to a grieving mother by funeral director Robert Bush. Bush, 48, is being sentenced for 67 offences committed over 12 years at his business, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, affecting hundreds of victims. Prosecutors argued he should receive a jail term of 20 to 25 years for what they described as 'evil' crimes.
Court hears evidence of animal remains and adult ashes
Carl Skinn, an advanced cremation technician, testified about the remains of four unborn babies whose ashes were returned to families by Bush. The public gallery reacted with gasps and tears as Skinn revealed that one set of remains contained the 'ashes of an adult'. Cries were heard more clearly when he stated that the texture of another set resembled 'animal remains'.
Forensic report details appalling conditions at funeral home
A report by forensic scientist and former funeral director Dr Richard Lloyd described the Hessle Road site in Hull as being 'in a lamentable state' with 'a wholly inadequate approach to care for the deceased'. Clothing intended for dressing the deceased was left piled up, and photographs meant for coffins were discarded. Jewellery that should have been returned to families was found unbagged and untraceable. Containers of ashes were stored chaotically on shelves and floors, with mould growing on boxes due to damp. In some rooms, ash was strewn across desks and the floor.
Judge questions regulatory failures
Mr Justice Hilliard demanded to know why existing regulations for handling dead bodies were not followed. Prosecutors explained that forms monitoring burial or cremation were not returned by Bush and were not followed up by the assigned registrar. The judge stated, 'There's public interest in this. I can see people here nodding. They want to know what's happened.' He questioned whether the problem was a lack of national regulation or a failure to follow existing systems, insisting on a 'straight answer' before the hearing concludes.
Bush's spending revealed
Financial records showed that between 2017 and 2024, Bush spent over £42,000 on holidays, £21,000 on motorcycle racing, and £17,400 on home improvements. In 2022, the year he failed to cremate Jasmine Beverley's baby Sunny Beverley-Conlin, he spent more than £9,000 on camping. Additional spending included £6,400 on three trips to Center Parcs, £3,800 on a trip to Italy, and £3,000 on a holiday in Arizona when the horrors were discovered. He also spent £1,000 at Boodles jewellers and £250 on a meal at Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden. Between March 2017 and April 2024, nearly £1.49 million was transferred from Legacy business accounts to Bush's personal bank account, while total receipts exceeded £3 million, far exceeding reported turnover to Companies House and HMRC.
Charges and guilty pleas
In April, Bush pleaded guilty to 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, theft from 12 charities, 30 counts of fraud by false representation, four 'foetus allegations' of fraud, one further fraud charge covering ashes of 57 people, and one count of fraudulent trading relating to funeral plans between 2012 and 2024. The sentencing hearing continues.
