Disgraced funeral director Robert Bush, who was jailed for 20 years after failing to bury or cremate bodies and giving families the ashes of strangers, has provoked further distress with a written 'apology' to those affected.

Bush, 48, was sentenced at Hull Crown Court last Friday following an investigation that uncovered a deeply disturbing situation at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull. The scale of his failings became apparent in March 2024 when police, acting on a tip-off, raided the premises and discovered approximately 35 bodies and over 100 sets of ashes.

Some of the families impacted by Bush's actions have reacted with anger to his recent letter. Jasmine Beverley, whose stillborn son's remains were found at the funeral parlour nearly two years after his death, stated that reading the letter left her feeling "nothing but anger." She added that it "reads as though he is apologising for our reaction and not his actions."

Prosecutors described Bush's operation as "shambolic and chaotic," noting that his "appalling offending had caused extreme emotional pain, anguish and upset." The former undertaker pleaded guilty to 67 offences, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and theft from 12 charities.

The court heard harrowing details, such as Ms. Beverley learning that her baby, Sunny Beverley-Conlin, was found in a brown paper bag on the floor of the funeral parlour. His remains were recovered from the Hessle Road premises one year and 10 months after he was stillborn on May 13, 2022. Ms. Beverley had been given a set of ashes by Bush the following March.

In his letter, Bush stated, "I accept responsibility for my failures." He acknowledged that he "should have acted differently and much sooner" and expressed regret for not doing so. He also wrote, "I do not expect forgiveness, nor do I write this letter in the hope of reducing the serious of what has happened." He concluded by saying, "I simply wanted you to know that I genuinely regret the consequences of my actions, and the impact they have had on so many people."

However, for many victims, the apology has done little to assuage their pain. The emotional toll of discovering the mishandling of their loved ones' remains, compounded by receiving incorrect ashes, has left deep scars. The court proceedings highlighted the profound lack of care and respect shown by Bush and his business.

Questions remain about the full extent of Bush's actions and the systemic failures that allowed such a situation to persist. The investigation and subsequent trial have brought to light the immense suffering caused by his criminal conduct, leaving families to grapple with shattered trust and enduring grief.