A funeral director in Hull has admitted to multiple offences after nearly three dozen bodies, including that of a stillborn baby, were discovered in decomposing condition at his premises, a court heard. Robert Bush, 48, who ran Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, pleaded guilty to 30 counts of preventing lawful burial and numerous fraud charges. His sentencing hearing began at Hull Crown Court on July 27, 2026, following a police raid at the funeral home in March 2024.

Authorities uncovered approximately 30 bodies stored at the premises on Hessle Road, many left uncovered and in various stages of decomposition. Items such as flowers, rings, teddy bears, and personal cards were scattered on the floor. One body remained naked on a stretcher, while others were still dressed in the clothes they had worn at the time of death. The removal and identification process took two days and involved forensic teams using dental records, DNA, and fingerprints to confirm the identities.

Among the remains found was Sunny Beverley-Conlin, an 18-week stillborn baby whose body had been kept inside what was described as a police evidence bag. His mother, Jasmine Beverley, had been led to believe her son had been given a funeral and cremation at the facility. She later learned that the ashes she was given belonged to an unidentified stranger. Beverley said learning her son was with the other deceased provided some solace.

Prosecutors described Bush’s conduct as a breach of trust on an “almost industrial scale,” highlighting his operation within the community for around 14 years. He sold funeral plans without authorization, failed to bury or cremate many clients’ loved ones, and presented families with ashes that were not those of their relatives. Many relatives reported receiving ashes in inappropriate containers or packaging, and some complained of Bush’s dismissive attitude as they discovered the mismanagement. One family member described being handed the wrong ashes while their loved one's body remained at the funeral home.

The case came to light when Bush requested assistance from the directors of another funeral home while he was on holiday in Arizona. Their employee was initially told they could not enter the building due to the presence of bodies that had been there for years. Upon finally inspecting the premises, the visiting directors were so alarmed by the conditions that they immediately reported it to the police.

Bush was arrested upon return to the UK and admitted to financial difficulties, attributing his failure to pay for services to clients not always settling their accounts. However, prosecutors said his finances were mismanaged rather than dire, noting that the cost of each cremation, approximately £500, was not met while he continued to operate and divert funds.

Family members who appeared in court described the lasting emotional trauma caused by Bush’s actions, including nightmares and post-traumatic stress. Victims called for stricter regulation in the funeral industry, with one stating that licensing to handle the dead appeared less rigorous than permits to sell food.

The hearing is ongoing.