Jailed funeral director Robert Bush has issued an open letter of apology to families affected by his "shambolic and chaotic" operation, but the statement has reportedly angered many of the victims.
Bush, who admitted 67 offenses including preventing a lawful burial and theft, expressed deep regret for the "distress, upset and uncertainty" his actions caused. In the letter, he stated, "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."
He acknowledged that many families had entrusted him with the care of loved ones during difficult times and recognized the impact on their confidence and memories. Bush stated he did not expect forgiveness and was not writing to diminish the seriousness of his actions, but rather to express his genuine regret for the consequences and their impact.
Prosecutors described Bush's offending as "appalling" and causing "extreme emotional pain, anguish and upset." Among the victims is Jasmine Beverley, whose stillborn baby, Sunny Beverley-Conlin, was found in a brown paper bag at the Hessle Road premises over a year after his death. Beverley was given a set of ashes by Bush the following March. "Reading the letter has left me feeling nothing but anger," Beverley said. "It reads as though he is apologising for our reaction and not his actions."
Beverley added that her memories of her son are inextricably linked to the mismanagement of his funeral. "This will haunt me for the rest of my life," she stated.