Man charged with 64 offences in funeral home investigation

A man has been charged with multiple offences in connection with a long-running investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, in Hull and East Yorkshire.

Humberside Police have said Robert Bush, 47, has been charged with 64 offences.

The police have also confirmed that a 55-year-old woman who was arrested in July 2024 has been released with no further action to be taken.

The probe into the funeral directors has seen police remove 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes. At a previous press conference, the police said there were 254 victims in total, of which 172 had been affected by fraudulent trading of funeral plans between 23 May 2012 and 6 March 2024.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Marshall said: “On Wednesday 6 March 2024, we received information of concern for the care of the deceased at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors across three premises in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

“Following the report, a complex, protracted and highly sensitive 10-month investigation commenced, with a file of evidence submitted to the CPS on Thursday 16 January 2025 to comprehensively review.

“Today, I can confirm Robert Bush, formerly of Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire, has been charged with a combined total of 64 offences in connection to the investigation.

“These charges include 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and 30 counts of fraud by false representation in relation to the deceased recovered from the funeral premises, both between 20 April, 2023 and 6 March, 20204.

“Two counts of theft from charities between 1 September, 2022 and 6 March, 2024.

“One count of fraudulent trading in relation to funeral plans between 23 May, 2012 and 6 March, 2024 encompassing 172 victims.

”One count of fraud in relation to human ashes between 1 August, 2017 and 6 March, 2024, involving 50 victims.

“He has been bailed with conditions to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court charged with the offences on Wednesday, 25 June, 2025.

“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.

“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.”

Robin Weyell, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service’s Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate said: “This directorate is made up of specialist prosecutors who have the expertise and experience to deal with our more complex and challenging cases, like this one – where we were able to comprehensively review a large file of evidence and make a timely charging decision.

“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families who have been affected during this difficult time.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and defendants have the right to a fair trial.

“Therefore, it is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”