A former funeral director has admitted 36 offences following a major investigation into human remains discovered at his premises, including those of four babies lost during pregnancy.
Robert Bush, 47, pleaded guilty to 35 counts of fraud by false representation and one charge of fraudulently operating his Hull-based business, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.
However, he denied 30 counts of preventing lawful and decent burials, as well as a charge of stealing money from charity collection boxes.
The case was heard at Hull Crown Court, where it took the clerk 22 minutes to read all 67 charges. Gasps were heard from the packed public gallery each time Bush entered a not-guilty plea. At one point, a woman shouted at him as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
Humberside Police launched its investigation in March 2024 after receiving reports raising concerns about the care of the deceased at the funeral home.
Officers later confirmed that four of the fraud charges related to ashes provided to families following loss in pregnancy.
Bush, formerly of Kirk Ella in East Yorkshire and now residing in West Yorkshire, was granted bail. His trial is scheduled to begin at Sheffield Crown Court on 5 October 2026.
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