Director of funeral home where 35 bodies ‘left to rot' & human ashes recovered by cops appears in court
THE director of a funeral home where 35 bodies "left to rot" and human ashes were recovered by police has appeared in court.
A huge probe was launched into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull after a report of "concern for care of the deceased".
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Robert Bush, 47, was charged with 63 offences in total - including 30 counts of preventing an unlawful and decent burial.
This relates to bodies recovered from the premises between April 23, 2023, and March 6, 2024.
He is also accused of 30 counts of fraud by false representation in relation to the "deceased" removed from the home.
The fraud charge related to human ashes between August 1, 2017, and March 6 last year involving 50 victims.
Bush appeared at Hull Magistrates' Court today where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
The names of the 30 alleged victims were read to the court as some of their families watched via video-link.
Bush was bailed on the condition he attend Bridlington Police Station every day from Monday to Friday.
He will next appear at Hull Crown Court on August 13.
Bush is also charged with theft from 12 charities; the Salvation Army, Macmillan Cancer Support, CHIEF, the Dogs Trust, Dove House, Help for Heroes, Maister Lodge, Oakwood Dog Rescue, RNLI, Sailors Children's Charity, WISHH and Hull Fishing Heritage Charity.
He has also been charged with one count of fraud by false representation in relation to human ashes between August 2017 and March 2024, and one count of fraudulent trading in relation to funeral plans between May 2012 and March 2024.
Humberside Police previously said the charges came after a "complex, protracted and highly sensitive" 10-month investigation.
A month after the probe was launched in March last year, officers received more than 2,000 calls from families concerned about their loved ones' ashes.
The force confirmed it was impossible to identify any of the human ashes using DNA profiles.
Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall confirmed there were 254 victims in total, of which 172 had been affected by fraudulent trading of funeral plans between May 23, 2012, and March 6, 2024.
He said: "We have updated the families of the 35 deceased with this development and we have made initial contact with additional victims who have been affected by the investigation and we will be personally in touch with them in the coming days.
"As the investigation now moves into the courts and judicial process, I would please ask people to refrain from any speculation or commenting that could prejudice or jeopardise the case, and to allow those affected to get the answers they desperately need and rightly deserve.
"My sincerest thanks go out to those affected for their patience and understanding.
"They have always been the priority and at the very heart of the entire investigation and this will remain, and we would please ask their privacy is continued to be respected."
A 55-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of money laundering was released with no further action.
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