Warning: this page contains distressing details
Ex-funeral director Robert Bush has been sentenced to 20 years in prison over his failure to bury and cremate dozens of people
During the sentencing at Hull Crown Court, Judge Mr Justice Hilliard says Bush's actions caused "anguish and pain on a scale beyond comprehension"
Victims attempted to hold back tears as the judge went over some of the harrowing details of Bush's offending, our reporter at court writes
The former funeral director had admitted 67 offences, including denying 30 people a decent and proper burial, and fraud charges relating to presenting families with the ashes of strangers
The sentencing follows a week of hearings in which victims described Bush, 48, as a "con man" - on Wednesday, Bush's barrister said "greed and incompetence" likely played a role in his crimes
Speaking outside court, an affected family member says a 'public inquiry should now be established'
Jessica Lane
Reporting from Hull Crown Court
We're outside courtroom number 4 at Hull Crown Court.
We're expecting the sentencing hearing to start at 10:30 so currently there are journalists and family members queuing up to get inside.
When families heard that Bush had muttered an apology they laughed.
They didn't say it, but there is a strong feeling that for them it's too little, too late.
Image source, Humberside PoliceBush was charged after a major investigation by Humberside Police into human remains found at the premises, including four babies lost in pregnancy.
The force was called to the firm's premises on Hessle Road in Hull in March 2024 "following a report received of concern for care of the deceased".
Thirty-five bodies and half a tonne of human ashes were discovered by officers.
Thirty-one of the remains discovered by police were those of loved ones whose families had already held funerals.Those families had been told by Bush their relatives had been cremated.
More than 100 families had been presented with the ashes of strangers.
One of those families was that of baby Sunny Beverley-Conlin who was born prematurely in May 2022. His parents held a funeral and were given ashes.
In March 2024, police found their son's body, still at the funeral home, and the family were told the ashes they were given by Bush were not Sunny's.
Sarah-May Buccieri
Reporting from Hull Crown Court
Bush walked swiftly but he was soon spotted by a crowd of reporters and camera crew.
With his face covered and a black holdall bag in hand, he spoke to me in a hushed tone.
This is the first time he’s ever spoken to the press.
When I asked him why people were given the wrong ashes he said “I’m sorry, yes.” He then repeated his apology and told me there is a letter submitted to the court.
I asked him one last time whether he was sorry, he said yes and walked into court.
Robert Bush has apologised to the affected families as he arrives at court.
Asked by reporters outside Hull Crown Court why individuals received the wrong ashes, the former funeral director says: “I’m sorry, yes."
Bush adds: "I’ve written to the court. There is a letter submitted to the court."
Robert Bush has been seen arriving at Hull Crown Court this morning for his sentencing.
The former funeral director previously admitted 67 offences, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial.
He arrives at the court wearing a suit, as well as a black baseball cap and face covering.
Image source, Humberside PoliceWelcome to our coverage from Hull Crown Court, where we will be bringing you updates from the sentencing of former funeral director Robert Bush.
Bush has pleaded guilty to 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial after police discovered 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes at the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, in Hull, in March 2024.
He has also admitted 35 counts of fraud relating to the sale of funeral plans and one count of theft from 12 charities, including the Salvation Army and Macmillan Cancer Support.
A warning that the content coming from the courtroom contains details that you may find distressing.