Lucy Thornton

Police investigating Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull found 35 bodies and ashes belonging to more than 100 people stored in filthy, chaotic conditions. Director Robert Bush has admitted 67 offences, including fraud involving around 200 families, supplying some families with strangers’ ashes and denying 30 people a proper burial. The premises also contained rubbish, vehicles, workshop equipment and homemade MDF coffins, while families reported bad smells and concerns about the treatment of their loved ones. Funeral directors Gary Pickering and Steve Emmerson alerted police after discovering the conditions. Bush is due to be sentenced at Hull Crown Court after victim impact statements are heard.