A “monster” funeral director who handed dozens of grieving families the wrong ashes – including four mothers who lost stillborn babies – has been jailed for 20 years following a five-day sentencing.
Robert Bush, 48, pleaded guilty to 67 offences after police officers removed 35 bodies and a large quantity of cremains from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull in 2024.
Around 80 victims and their family members attended Hull Crown Court today to watch the sentencing.
Delivering his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Hilliard said: “No sentence I pass can put right the harm the defendant has done.”
The judge continued to say Bush was “so pre-occupied with his own enrichment that he behaved in a shocking and disgraceful way towards the deceased entrusted to his care, and his behaviour towards their living relatives was characterised by dishonesty, deception and heartlessness”.
He said: “If he could re-use a coffin someone had already paid for, he would do so.
“If it was cheaper to keep someone in non-refrigerated conditions, he would do that too.
“His premises at Hessle Road were in an appalling state.”
Robert Bush pleaded guilty to 67 offences earlier this year
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