Legacy Funeral Directors: Watch the moment Robert Bush was arrested
By Rick Lyon and Simon Bristow, Co-Editors
This is the moment former Legacy Independent Funeral Directors boss Robert Bush was arrested on a plane.
Bush, 48, was arrested at London Heathrow Airport on his return from America on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
On Monday, January 20, 2025, a comprehensive file of evidence, comprising of over 13,000 exhibits, was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for consideration, which resulted in Bush being charged with multiple offences on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
He was bailed to appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, and further bailed until his hearing at Hull Crown Court on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
The case was postponed after the August hearing until Wednesday, October 15, 2025, where he entered mixed pleas, admitting 36 offences but pleading not guilty to a further 31 charges.
A trial date was set for Monday, October 5, 2026, however an additional hearing was then scheduled for today, where Bush pleaded guilty to the remaining 31 charges.
Humberside Police Assistant Chief Constable Andy Walker said: “This has been an extremely complex and sensitive investigation, with heartbroken and devastated families at the core of it.
FACING PRISON: Robert Bush
“The selfish and deplorable actions of Robert Bush have deeply affected so many people, and we have always been determined to make sure that we kept those affected involved and at the heart of everything we have done, every step of the way.
“I want to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to everybody involved, families for their patience and understanding as we progressed the case, officers and staff for their commitment to ensure Robert Bush was held to account and our partner organisations, who have been crucial in providing support and care to those in need.”
Hull City Council’s director of adult social care, Tracy Meyerhoff, said: “The impact of this unprecedented incident has been felt right across Hull and in the wider East Yorkshire area, and our thoughts are with the many people who have been affected by this dreadful situation.
“We will continue to support the many people who are victims, who we hope can find some comfort from our memorial garden at Northern Cemetery.
“We will also continue to work with those calling for regulation of funeral directors, to help ensure this can never happen again.”
East Riding Council’s recovery lead and director of housing, transportation and public protection, Angela Dearing added: “Today’s court hearing follows what has undoubtably been a lengthy, distressing and intense time over the past two years - for those affected, their families and also for our colleagues working across the recovery and bereavement teams.
“We know the impact of this incident will not end today, and collectively we would like to reassure our communities that both councils continue to work with partners to provide ongoing support and advice to those impacted by this incident.
“As part of this support, we are pleased that our ‘Butterfly Grove’ memorial garden at Lelley Fields Crematorium is open and can provide a special place to remember loved ones as it establishes throughout the summer months, with plaques now in place.”