Robert Bush, the owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, is accused of leaving dozens of bodies to decompose at his business and of committing financial fraud, according to reports from Hull Crown Court.
Prosecutors detailed how more than £3.3 million was paid into both the business's and Bush's personal accounts between 2017 and 2024. However, the turnover reported to Companies House and HMRC did not reflect these significant sums. During this period, approximately £1.7 million was transferred directly into Bush's personal bank account from the business.
While Bush's reported personal income was around £162,000 annually, he allegedly paid tax on only about £13,000. Additionally, he transferred an average of £52,000 per year to his wife. Court documents indicate that Bush spent substantial amounts on personal expenses, including over £42,000 on holidays, £21,000 on his motorcycle racing hobby, and more than £17,000 on home improvements.
In 2022, the same year he reportedly failed to cremate the infant Sunny Beverley-Conlin, Bush spent over £9,000 on camping expenses. The court was also informed that Bush allegedly sold fake funeral plans totaling more than £500,000 to approximately 200 individuals.
The disturbing scenes at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors were brought to light during court proceedings, where details of the alleged neglect of bodies were presented. The court heard how some bodies were allegedly left to 'let nature take its course.'