A funeral director named Robert Bush, previously shamed for his actions, recently relocated his operations to a new facility near Hull’s docks, primarily attracted by a large 40ft refrigeration unit. Bush, expanding his funeral business, was impressed by the size and capabilities of his third and largest branch. However, the refrigerators at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road were inadequate to sustain his fraudulent activities, wherein he evaded cremation fees by amassing unclaimed bodies.
Investigations by The Mirror uncovered that during Bush’s initial tour of the premises, he was informed about lockers containing approximately 20 unclaimed sets of ashes. Despite promising to reunite these ashes with their rightful families, reports suggest that instead of fulfilling this commitment, Bush may have distributed the ashes to other families to avoid cremation costs.
Subsequently, at Hull Crown Court, Bush pleaded guilty to 30 charges related to obstructing proper burials and one count of theft involving multiple charities. Prior admissions of fraudulent activities were also made in October, including fraud by false representation and fraudulent trading. Notably, among the affected individuals were grieving parents who had lost a child.
During a police raid on his establishment, authorities encountered a grim scene characterized by a disturbing odor. They discovered 35 bodies, some not stored in refrigeration units, due to the breakdown of Bush’s prized 40ft fridge, which was repurposed as storage space. Additionally, the remains of 67 individuals, including a stillborn child who was improperly handled, were found at the facility.
Bush, who was abroad at the time of the raid, along with his daughter Saskya, who assisted him in the business, was later apprehended. Despite their affluent lifestyle, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors faced financial difficulties and accumulated over £60,000 in unpaid cremation fees over two years. The business premises were acquired from a previous owner, Heavenly Services, which was also under scrutiny for fraudulent activities before the proprietor’s demise.
Allegations of the former owner, Simon Woolston, faking his death and absconding overseas surfaced, but a family member refuted these claims, confirming his death from sepsis at a local hospital. The investigation into Woolston’s alleged fraudulent activities concluded without charges due to his passing. The source further revealed Bush’s fascination with the refrigeration setup and his disregard for proper handling of ashes, indicating a pattern of deceitful behavior.
Local reports also mentioned suspicions regarding Woolston’s demise and raised concerns about prepaid funeral plans being mishandled. However, due to Woolston’s death, no legal action was pursued. The case underscores the disturbing practices within the funeral industry and the consequences of unethical conduct on grieving families.
