Hull Funeral Director Charged 63 Offences After 35 Bodies Found

Robert Bush, a funeral director formerly of Kirk Ella and now residing in Otley, West Yorkshire, has appeared at Hull Magistrates' Court charged with 63 offences following a major investigation into human remains found at his business premises. He faces 30 counts of preventing a lawful burial and 31 counts of fraud by false representation related to bodies found at his firm's site, along with charges of fraudulent trading concerning funeral plans sold over more than a decade and theft from 12 charities including the Salvation Army and Macmillan Cancer Support. The charges, spanning from May 2012 to March 2024, include allegations involving human ashes and fraudulent activities affecting 254 victims in total. Bush was not required to enter a plea during the brief hearing and was granted bail with conditions, including daily reporting to a police station, with the case scheduled for a first hearing at Hull Crown Court in August. Authorities have made contact with affected families and victims, offering support services through Victim Support. The investigation remains active as police continue to communicate with additional victims impacted by the alleged offences.