Robert Bush, proprietor of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, was jailed for 20 years after police discovered 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes at his Hull premises in a March 2024 raid. Families reacted angrily when Bush sent a written apology after his sentencing, calling it insufficient and, in some cases, offensive. Victims — including the mother of a stillborn baby whose remains were later recovered from the premises — say the ordeal has caused lasting emotional harm. Bush admitted 67 offences, including preventing lawful burial and theft from charities.
Families Outraged After Funeral Director’s Written 'Apology' Following Discovery Of Bodies And Ashes
Jasmine Beverley says she trusted Bush "with the most precious person in my life" [BBC/Joe Bilton]
Robert Bush, the former owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, was jailed for 20 years after police found 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes at his Hessle Road premises in Hull following a tip-off in March 2024. After his sentencing, Bush sent a written apology to those affected — a letter many victims described as inadequate, self-centred and, in some cases, insulting.
The raid and what was found
Humberside Police recovered dozens of remains and numerous sets of ashes when officers raided the funeral parlour. Prosecutors described Bush's business as a "shambolic and chaotic" operation, and said his conduct had caused "extreme emotional pain, anguish and upset" to many families who had entrusted him with the care of loved ones.
Robert Bush was jailed for 20 years at Hull Crown Court last week [Humberside Police]
Victims' reactions
Families expressed fury and distress after reading Bush's letter. Jasmine Beverley, whose son Sunny Beverley-Conlin was stillborn on 13 May 2022 and whose remains were recovered from the premises one year and 10 months later, said she received ashes from Bush in March and that learning where Sunny had been kept — reportedly in a brown paper bag on the floor — "will stay with me for the rest of my life." She added: "Reading the letter has left me feeling nothing but anger."
Tristan Essex, whose grandmother Jessie Stockdale was among the bodies recovered, said the letter felt mocking and offered little remorse for the actions themselves: "Clearly, he is not sorry for the actions he chose, he's sorry for the consequences of his evil actions. It looks like it's been generated by AI. It doesn't even make sense."
Tristan Essex says his memories of his grandmother, Jessie Stockdale, are "tainted" after Bush kept her body for five months after her funeral [Tristan Essex]
The apology and its reception
Bush's written statement (as published by court reports):
"To everyone who has been affected by my actions. I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the events and wish to say something directly to you. 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. I recognise that what happened has caused distress, upset and uncertainty for many families. I am deeply sorry.
There are no words that can undo what has happened or take away the pain that many of you have experienced. I understand that this has affected not only your confidence in me, but also memories surrounding the loss of those closest to you. 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.
I do not expect forgiveness, nor do I write this letter in the hope of reducing the seriousness of what has happened. 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. 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. I hope that, in time, each of you can find some peace and remember your loved one for who they were rather than for the circumstances that have followed. I am truly sorry."
Many victims criticised the tone and wording of the statement, noting grammatical mistakes and describing it as impersonal or defensive rather than truly remorseful.
Charges, sentence and aftermath
Bush admitted 67 offences, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and theft from 12 charities. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison at Hull Crown Court. The case has prompted renewed calls for tighter oversight of funeral directors and for support for the families affected.
Support for those affected
The discovery and subsequent court proceedings have been deeply traumatic for many families. Several bereavement and counselling organisations offer confidential help and support to those affected. Anyone impacted by issues surrounding bereavement is urged to contact local support services or national helplines for advice and counselling.
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