Disgraced funeral director Robert Bush has issued an apology from prison, acknowledging he "should have acted differently and much sooner" after being jailed for 20 years for storing at least 30 bodies and giving families the ashes of strangers.
Bush admitted to 67 offenses, including preventing lawful burials, theft from charities, and providing fraudulent funeral plans to over 200 people. His apology, sent to victims on Wednesday, stated, "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." He added, "I recognise that what happened has caused distress, upset and uncertainty for many families. I am deeply sorry."
However, the apology has been rejected by many victims, who expressed that they will "never" forgive him. Jasmine Beverley, whose stillborn son Sunny's remains were found stored at Bush's funeral parlour two years after his death, told the BBC the letter made her feel "nothing but anger." She stated, "It reads as though he is apologising for our reaction and not his actions."
Karen Dry, whose parents were cremated by Bush, expressed similar sentiments. "It feels like he feels sorry for himself," she said. "We are a world away from any kind of forgiveness."
During Bush's sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court, it was revealed that the funeral parlour, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, had decomposing bodies, excrement, bodily fluid, and moldy coffins. Bush's letter continued, "I simply wanted you to know that I genuinely regret the consequences of my actions, and the impact they have had on so many people." He also acknowledged, "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."