Former funeral director robert Bush has pleaded guilty to 35 counts of fraud by false depiction and one charge of fraudulent trading, following a police examination into his funeral homes in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. The 47-year-old entered his pleas at Hull Crown Court.
The charges relate to dishonest representations made to bereaved families regarding the care of remains, cremation arrangements, and the authenticity of ashes returned to them. Specifically, prosecutors allege Bush falsely claimed he would properly care for the deceased, arrange timely cremations, and ensure the ashes presented where those of the individual who died. He also admitted to four allegations of falsely presenting ashes as the remains of unborn children.
Humberside Police launched the investigation in March of last year after receiving reports of concerns regarding the care of the deceased.Within a month, the force reported receiving over 2,000 calls from concerned families. The investigation, described as “complex, protracted and highly sensitive,” spanned ten months and covered three of Bush’s premises.Bush remains on bail and will face trial at Sheffield Crown Court next year on 30 counts of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body and one charge of theft from charities.
