Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 2nd April 2025, at 16:25hrs
Robert Bush, 47, of East Yorkshire, has been charged with 64 offences, including fraud, fraudulent trading, theft, and preventing a lawful and decent burial, following a complex ten-month investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.
The charges, authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), stem from concerns raised on March 6, 2024, regarding the care of the deceased at three premises operated by the funeral directors across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall of Humberside Police confirmed the charges, stating,
“Following the report, a complex, protracted and highly sensitive ten-month investigation commenced, with a file of evidence submitted to the CPS on Thursday, 16 January, 2025, to comprehensively review.”
The charges against Bush include:
* 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial.
* 30 counts of fraud by false representation, related to the deceased recovered from the funeral premises, between April 20, 2023, and March 6, 2024.
* Two counts of theft from charities, between September 1, 2022, and March 6, 2024.
* One count of fraudulent trading, concerning funeral plans involving 172 victims, between May 23, 2012, and March 6, 2024.
* One count of fraud, relating to human ashes involving 50 victims, between August 1, 2017, and March 6, 2024.
Robin Weyell, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, expressed his sympathies to the affected families, saying,
“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families who have been affected during this difficult time.”
He also reminded the public that criminal proceedings are active and urged them to refrain from any comments or online sharing that could prejudice the case.
Bush has been bailed with conditions and is scheduled to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Deputy Chief Constable Marshall stated that the families of the 35 deceased have been updated on the development, and contact is being made with other affected victims. He added,
“My sincerest thanks go out to those affected for their patience and understanding. They have always been the priority and at the very heart of the entire investigation and this will remain, and we would please ask their privacy is continued to be respected.”
Humberside Police and the CPS have urged the public to avoid speculation or commentary that could jeopardize the judicial process, allowing the affected families to receive the answers they deserve.
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