Robert Bush, a funeral director at Hull-based Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, has been described as "callous, cold and calculated" by one grieving man after admitting 67 offences spanning 12 years and affecting hundreds of victims.
A stillborn baby was left in an envelope on the floor of his premises for nearly two years while his mother believed he had been given a funeral and cremated. Other families were handed the wrong ashes as the bodies of those they loved were left decomposing on shelves.
Betrayal of Trust
Bush’s apology outside court will mean little to families now living with nightmares, guilt and unbearable images. The court will decide his sentence, but no punishment can restore the dignity he stole or repair the trust he shattered.
Jade's Law Campaign
Jo Early and her daughter Abi know the damage caused when a parent convicted of harming their child retains automatic rights. Gavin Gibbs was convicted of breaking baby Charlie’s arm, yet remained legally entitled to contact sister Abi for years through cards, gifts and messages. That contact confused, unsettled and prolonged the pain. Jade’s Law rightly removes parental rights from those convicted of killing a child. The same principle should apply where a parent has inflicted serious violence. Jo’s campaign deserves support.
Bill Oddie Remembered
Bill Oddie, a Goodie, made millions laugh before teaching us to look more closely at the world around us. His wit, warmth and wonder turned birds, trees and hedgerows into shared treasures. Britain has lost a much-loved entertainer and a tireless voice for nature.
