Disgraced funeral director Robert Bush has issued an apology to the hundreds of victims affected by his offenses, acknowledging he "should have acted differently and much sooner." Bush, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison last week, admitted to storing at least 30 bodies at his funeral parlor in Hull and providing grieving families with the ashes of strangers.
Bush pleaded guilty to 67 charges, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, theft from 12 charities, and supplying fraudulent funeral plans to over 200 individuals. His apology, delivered to victims on Wednesday, stated that he "genuinely regrets the consequences of [his] actions."
"I know that many of you entrusted me and my business with the care of someone you loved during one of the most difficult times in your lives," Bush wrote in his letter. "I recognise that what happened has caused distress, upset and uncertainty for many families. I am deeply sorry."
He added, "There are no words that can undo what has happened or take away the pain that many of you have experienced. I understand that this has affected not only your confidence in me, but also memories surrounding the loss of those closest to you. I accept responsibility for my failures. Looking back, I know that I should have acted differently and much sooner. I regret that I did not do so."
However, many victims have rejected Bush's apology, with some stating they will "never" forgive him. Jasmine Beverley, whose stillborn son's remains were found at the funeral parlor nearly two years after his death, expressed her anger. "Reading the letter has left me feeling nothing but anger," Beverley told the BBC. "It reads as though he is apologising for our reaction and not his actions."
Beverley continued, "I don't have the luxury of separating my memories of Sunny from what happened because the memories I do have are tied directly to the mismanagement of the final act of love I tried to give him - his funeral. This will haunt me for the rest of my life."
Karen Dry, whose parents were both cremated by Bush, expressed similar sentiments. "It feels like he feels sorry for himself," Dry said. "He says he does not expect forgiveness. We are a world away from any kind of forgiveness."
An investigation into Bush's Legacy Independent Funeral Directors business in Hull revealed disturbing conditions, including decomposing bodies, floors covered in human excrement and bodily fluids, and moldy coffins. Bush was arrested for a second time in July 2024.
In his letter, Bush acknowledged the impact of his actions: "I genuinely regret the consequences of my actions, and the impact they have had on so many people. I appreciate that every family's experience has been different, and I respect that some people may never wish to accept my apology. That is entirely understandable."