Robert Bush applies to appeal 20-year sentence over Hull funeral scandal

Robert Bush, the former Hull funeral director jailed for 20 years over a scandal involving more than 300 victims, has applied for permission to appeal against his sentence. The application has been lodged, but it is not yet known whether the Court of Appeal will hear it.

Bush, 48, pleaded guilty to 67 offences. The BBC reported that he admitted keeping 30 bodies after funerals, giving families ashes belonging to strangers and selling fake funeral plans. He was sentenced in July 2026.

Humberside Police said it had been notified of the application by the Criminal Appeal Office and that any decision on whether it proceeds rests with the courts.

The application has upset some families. Natalie Smith, whose grandfather was among the 35 bodies found at Bush’s funeral home in March 2024, said it was unfair that he could seek an appeal while proceeds-of-crime proceedings were ongoing. Jasmine Beverley said she was troubled that victims might have to relive their hurt at another hearing. Tristan Essex, whose grandmother was also among those found, said the application added “cruelty to our suffering”.

Bush wrote to affected families in August to express regret and say he was “deeply sorry”. He will learn later whether his appeal application is accepted for a hearing.