'Monster' undertaker behind Britain's worst-ever funeral home scandal jailed for life

A "monster" funeral director who handed dozens of grieving families the wrong ashes – including four mother's who lost stillborn babies – has been jailed for life following a five-day sentencing.

Robert Bush, 48, pleaded guilty to 67 offences after police officers removed 35 bodies and a large quantity of human remains from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull in 2024.

Around 80 victims and their family members attended Hull Crown Court today to watch the sentencing.

Delivering his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Hilliard said: "No sentence I pass can put right the harm the defendant has done."

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The judge continued to say Bush was "so pre-occupied with his own enrichment that he behaved in a shocking and disgraceful way towards the deceased entrusted to his care, and his behaviour towards their living relatives was characterised by dishonesty, deception and heartlessness”.

He said: "If he could re-use a coffin someone had already paid for, he would do so.

"If it was cheaper to keep someone in non-refrigerated conditions, he would do that too.

"His premises at Hessle Road were in an appalling state."

MORE TO FOLLOW...

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Watch moment police raid Robert Bush's funeral home where he left bodies to decompose
• Hull funeral director pleads guilty after preventing burials of 30 bodies and stealing mourners' donations
• Hull funeral home victim fears 'monster' director could be eligible for early prison release

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter