Some individuals who purchased fake funeral plans from disgraced undertaker Robert Bush have not been refunded, Hull Crown Court heard. Mr Bush, 48, defrauded 172 people of £562,000 over an 11-year period.
The court was told that Mr Bush previously admitted to 67 offences linked to his business, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull. These offences included failing to bury and cremate individuals, theft from 12 charities, fraudulent trading in funeral plans, and fraud.
During the fourth day of his sentencing hearing, a woman stated her parents, who paid £2,649 each for funeral plans, had died without seeing justice. Another victim reported not receiving a £5,000 refund for two policies. The court heard that just under £60,000 has been refunded to those who bought the fake plans.
Mr Bush also pleaded guilty to 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, and fraud relating to the ashes of 57 people. His barrister, Richard Wright KC, offered an apology on his behalf, stating Mr Bush accepted his conduct had "tainted the memory of every person who has passed through his hands."
Police discovered a "horror scene" at the funeral home, with bodies found in a cold storage area, after a tip-off while Mr Bush was on holiday. He was arrested at Heathrow Airport and told police he had debts of approximately £90,000. The hearing is ongoing.