Man charged with 64 offences after investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors
A man has been charged with 64 offences following the investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, which had branches in Hull and Beverley, and from where Humberside Police removed 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes.
Humberside Police launched an investigation after receiving reports of ‘concern for care of the deceased’ at the funeral directors in March 2024.
Robert Bush, 47, formerly of Kirk Ella, has been charged with 30 counts of 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.
Mr Bush has been released on bail and will appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 25th June.
A 55-year-old woman, who was arrested in July 2024, on suspicion of money laundering offences, will see no further action taken against her.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Humberside Police to charge Robert Bush, 47, of East Yorkshire, with 64 offences including fraud, fraudulent trading, theft, and preventing a lawful and decent burial, following an investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull,” said Robin Weyell, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families who have been affected during this difficult time. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and defendants have the right to a fair trial.
“Therefore, it is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said: “On Wednesday 6 March 2024, we received information of concern for the care of the deceased at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors across three premises in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
“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.
“Today, I can confirm Robert Bush, formerly of Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire, has been charged with a combined total of 64 offences in connection to the investigation.
“These charges include 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and 30 counts of fraud by false representation in relation to the deceased recovered from the funeral premises, both between 20 April, 2023 and 6 March, 2024.
“Two counts of theft from charities between 1 September, 2022 and 6 March, 2024. One count of fraudulent trading in relation to funeral plans between 23 May, 2012 and 6 March, 2024 encompassing 172 victims.
“One count of fraud in relation to human ashes between 1 August, 2017 and 6 March, 2024, involving 50 victims.
“He has been bailed with conditions to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court charged with the offences on Wednesday 25 June, 2025.
“We have updated the families of the 35 deceased with this development and we have made initial contact with additional victims who have been affected by the investigation and we will be personally in touch with them in the coming days.
“As the investigation now moves into the courts and judicial process, I would please ask people to refrain from any speculation or commenting that could prejudice or jeopardise the case, and to allow those affected to get the answers they desperately need and rightly deserve.
“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.”
