A man has been charged with 64 offences following a lengthy police inquiry and Crown Prosecution Service review into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.
Robert Bush, 47, formerly of Kirk Ella, has been charged in connection with the investigation, Humberside Police said on Wednesday, April 2.
Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said: “On Wednesday, March 6, 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 10-month investigation commenced, with a file of evidence submitted to the CPS on Thursday, January 16, 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.”
The charges against Bush include 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and 30 counts of fraud by false representation, relating to the deceased recovered from the funeral premises between April 20, 2023, and March 6, 2024.
He also faces two counts of theft from charities between September 1, 2022, and March 6, 2024, one count of fraudulent trading in relation to funeral plans between May 23, 2012, and March 6, 2024, involving 172 victims, and one count of fraud relating to human ashes between August 1, 2017, and March 6, 2024, involving 50 victims.
Bush has been bailed with conditions and is due to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 25.
DCC Marshall added: “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.”
Robin Weyell, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS’s Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate, said: “This directorate is made up of specialist prosecutors who have the expertise and experience to deal with our more complex and challenging cases, like this one – where we were able to comprehensively review a large file of evidence and make a timely charging decision.
“Today, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Humberside Police to charge Robert Bush, 47, formerly of Kirk Ella, 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.
“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.”
Julie Butcher, area manager at Victim Support, said: “We would like to reassure anyone impacted by this incident in any way that you are not alone. Our dedicated team is made up of caseworkers who understand the local area and are based throughout the community, tailoring free and confidential support to people’s individual needs.
“As an independent charity, people can access our services whether or not they have been in contact with the police.
“While we can offer longer-term support, some people find that one or two calls can answer some questions or alleviate some of the stress and concern. We encourage anyone impacted to reach out to us by visiting our website or calling us on 0808 28 111 36.”
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