Robert Bush, 48, is being sentenced for 67 offenses spanning 12 years and affecting hundreds of victims at his business, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, in Hull.
The undertaker failed to bury or cremate bodies, keeping them at his premises for up to two years, gave mourners the ashes of strangers, took money for unfulfilled funeral plans, and stole from charity collection boxes. Bush's actions were described in court as driven by ‘greed and incompetence’.
During the sentencing hearing, which is scheduled to last five days due to the large number of affected families, Bush's defense argued that he has expressed remorse. His barrister stated that Bush offered an apology to the court and the families, acknowledging the pain and anguish his actions caused. The defense noted that while these factors do not excuse the offending, they reveal another side to the man.
Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of 20 to 25 years. The court heard that Bush prioritized his own financial gain and family over his clients. He sold bogus funeral plans for 11 years, earning approximately £562,000 from 172 individuals. Additionally, he stole around £12,000 from charity collection boxes over six years.
While defrauding families, Bush reportedly took a salary exceeding £210,000 annually with his wife, though he paid tax on only about £13,000 per year. He transferred an average of £52,000 annually to his wife, who did not work at the business. Between 2017 and the discovery of his crimes, Bush spent approximately £95,000 on non-essential items, including over £42,000 on holidays, £21,000 on motorcycle racing, and £17,400 on home improvements. His holidays included multiple trips to Center Parcs, a visit to Italy, and a trip to Arizona in the U.S. with his daughter, where he was arrested upon his return.
The court was presented with images from inside Bush's premises, revealing a dilapidated state. One image depicted a workshop where Bush manufactured his own coffins, while another showed the funeral parlor described as filthy, with belongings of the deceased strewn across the floor.
The judge, Mr. Justice Hilliard, is expected to deliver the sentence on Friday.