Legacy accused Robert Bush appears at Hull Crown Court charged with 65 offences
HEARING: Robert Bush arriving at Hull Crown Court this morning
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
A man has made his first appearance at crown court charged with 65 offences relating to a major police investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.
Robert Bush, 47, formerly of Kirk Ella and now of Busk Lane, Otley, West Yorkshire, appeared at Hull Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing this morning.
The charges were summarised as follows:
Counts 1-30 – Preventing a lawful and decent burial;
31-60 – Fraud by false representation, relating to the proper care of remains and the return of ashes;
61 – Fraudulent trading, relating to funeral plans;
62 – Fraud by false representation, relating to the lack of care of remains;
63-64 – Fraud by false representation;
65 – Theft, relating to money stolen from 12 charities.
Mr Bush, who wore a grey three-piece suit, a white shirt and a mauve tie, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
He was not required to enter any pleas and the case was adjourned until a further hearing at the same court on October 15.
Judge John Thackray KC, Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, told him: “Robert Bush, your plea and trial preparation hearing is adjourned until the 15th of October.
“You need to cooperate with your legal team and assist them because on the next occasion you will be required to enter pleas of either guilty or not guilty on the 65 counts. You can have your bail on the same conditions as before; residence and reporting to a police station.”
The next hearing is scheduled to begin at 2pm with a time estimate of two hours.