Robert Bush, 48, spent his first night in custody after being remanded on Monday as his five-day sentencing hearing continued at Hull Crown Court. He faces more than 65 offences involving over 300 victims and grieving families over a 12-year period.
Victims told the court how their loved ones were treated like a “piece of meat” by the funeral director, who pleaded guilty in April to 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and theft from 12 charities. His offending came to light when other funeral directors collecting a body discovered 31 bodies and a stillborn baby that should have been cremated months earlier, along with over 100 sets of ashes.
Victims describe 'pure evil' and misplaced ashes
Angela Scottow told the court her father Terrence White died on Christmas Eve 2023. His body was found at Legacy 75 days after his death, and she had been given different ashes. “Dad was such a lovely man and Rob Bush treated him like a piece of meat,” she said. “He has absolutely broken me. How will I trust anyone again?”
Tina Thames described her father Herbert James Porter’s funeral as a “sham”. She said: “When the police told me there was a possibility that Dad was still at Legacy on 6th March 2024, I was devastated. I had nightmares and thoughts of bodies, just piled up came into my mind. The only way I can describe it is like seeing images of the bodies found in Auschwitz during the War.”
Widespread fraud and emotional toll
Investigators found Bush had given wrong ashes to grieving families, taken payment for funeral plans without passing the money on, and stole from charities including the Salvation Army and Macmillan Cancer Support. One victim, Maxine Penrose, had mixed what she thought were her brother’s ashes with her father’s to make a ring. She learned the ashes were unknown. She called Bush “pure evil”.
Another victim, Kadie Laws, sobbed uncontrollably as she described suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression. “I have feelings of extreme anger towards Robert Bush,” she said. “I think you should have a big heart to do that job and it's such a shame that he hasn't a heart for anyone affected by his actions.”
Bush's reaction and next steps
Bush appeared emotional in the dock at times, wiping his face and bowing his head. When confronted by journalists outside court, he said: “I’m sorry.” He will learn his fate on Friday after up to 200 victim impact statements are heard. Bush, formerly of Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire, but now of Otley, West Yorkshire, remains in custody.
