A man has been charged with 64 offences following a major police investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, where authorities discovered 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes, as reported by The BBC.
Robert Bush, 47, formerly of Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire, faces 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, 30 counts of fraud by false representation, two counts of theft from charities, one count of fraud, and another of fraudulent trading. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 25th June.
Humberside Police launched their inquiry in March last year after receiving a report of “concern for care of the deceased.” A 55-year-old woman arrested in July 2024 on suspicion of money laundering offences has been released with no further action.
Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall revealed that 254 victims have been identified, including 172 who were affected by fraudulent funeral plan trading between May 2012 and March 2024. The fraud charge relating to human ashes involves 50 victims between August 2017 and March last year.
Marshall described the 10-month investigation as “complex, protracted, and highly sensitive.” A file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service in January, leading to the charges.
Families impacted by the case have been updated, and police continue to reach out to additional victims. Some affected individuals placed flowers at the company’s Hessle Road premises following a police press conference.
Members of the Hull 35 support group praised the police’s efforts, stating they were “grateful for the work and dedication” of officers. Since the investigation began, the group has held monthly vigils and pledged ongoing support for those affected.
Humberside Police previously received over 2,000 calls on a dedicated helpline, with many families concerned about the identification of their loved ones’ ashes. However, authorities confirmed that DNA testing is not possible, a revelation described as “devastating” for the families involved.
