Families of victims of a disgraced funeral boss who failed to bury or cremate people say they feel "really, really let down" and no sentence "could ever be enough" following the sentencing of Robert Bush. Thirty-five bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes were found by police raiding Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull in March 2024.
Hull Crown Court heard that the owner, Robert Bush, had caused "extreme emotional pain, anguish and upset." Bush was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but he could be eligible for release after serving about half of that time.
He previously admitted to 67 offences, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and theft from 12 charities.
Karen Dry, who organised monthly vigils for the victims' families when the investigation began, said that no sentence was ever going to be enough. She noted that families were hoping Bush would be sentenced to more than 30 years, and the prospect of him only serving half of his sentence was "really messing with people's heads." When asked if the outcome felt fair, she replied, "No, it really doesn't." She added that while she understands that for some people today marks the end of the process, she remains determined to seek further accountability.
She warned that without regulation of the industry, "in five or 10 years' time there will be another funeral director with another 300 families in a courtroom somewhere." She emphasized, "We've got to put a stop to it and it's got to stop now."
During the sentencing hearing, Jasmine Beverley told Hull Crown Court that learning her baby, Sunny-Beverley Conlin, was discovered in a brown paper bag on the floor of the funeral parlour "will stay with me for the rest of my life." Sunny's remains were recovered from the Hessle Road premises a year and 10 months after he was stillborn on 13 May 2022.
Addressing Bush through tears, she told him, "I trusted you with the most precious person in my life." Speaking at the conclusion of the case, Beverley said she felt relieved that someone in a powerful position recognized that her loss meant something, though she added that she has no feelings towards the defendant.
Michaela Baldwin's stepfather, Danny Middleton, was in his 70s when he died in November 2023. The family was told his body was one of the 35 found at Legacy's premises, and they had been given ashes by Bush who claimed they were those of their loved one. Speaking outside court, Baldwin said, "It's still not enough – it really isn't. It's less than one year for each person – which is really upsetting." While Bush told reporters on Monday that he was sorry for his crimes, Baldwin dismissed the apology, stating it did not mean anything.
She argued that he wanted a luxury lifestyle at the expense of the families. When asked if justice had been served, she said, "He is behind bars – but just not for long enough."
The body of Peter Moody, 65, was also among those found by police at Legacy in March 2024. His daughter, Joanne Moody, said she felt "really really let down." She stated, "I think he should have got 20 years for every one of them he left in that place. Don't get me wrong, I know he did a lot of bad things to the charities as well, but he was my dad." Commenting on the possibility of early release, she questioned how that could be right, adding that Bush took the last bit of dignity they had for their parents and loved ones and "destroyed it."
Nigel Hotham, representing his uncle Mark Hotham, who was also among the bodies recovered, said it had been a long time coming to reach this stage. "It's been very traumatic for us as a family," he said. "Lots of ups and downs throughout the court process, but now we are finally at a stage where we can have some sort of closure." He described 20 years as a "decent sentence" and said the family would now be allowed to grieve.
However, Hotham joined other families in calling for legislative changes in the funeral industry and a public inquiry, stating, "We believe it is so serious this can never happen again to any other families."
Ron Marsh contacted Legacy Independent Funeral Directors when his mother, Joyce Moulton, died in September 2023 at the age of 98. He recalled that Bush was professional and the service he organized was "excellent," but the family never received her ashes, and attempts to contact Legacy went unanswered. In March 2024, he was visited by police family liaison officers who told him his mother's body had been found during the raid.
"I was gobsmacked. It was just not anything I ever thought happened, would happen, and certainly not happen to my mum," he said. He criticized the lack of legislation, noting there is no checking to ensure that bodies are actually cremated or buried if the service is not held at a crematorium or church. "So it still gets to me and I think it will for the rest of my life," he added.
Sentencing him at Hull Crown Court, Judge Justice Hilliard told the former undertaker he had "caused anguish and pain on a scale beyond comprehension." Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Department for Health and Social Care stated it would "drive forward" work alongside the Ministry of Justice and Law Commission to "crack down on rogue operators in the funeral sector." The government said this would include developing detailed proposals to drive up standards, including regulation of the funeral sector.
Moment police officers set foot in 'horror scene' funeral home
