Billie-Jo Chapman said: ‘I have had to remind myself that I have not done anything wrong. I am a victim, and Mr Bush is the one that should feel the guilt, hurt and pain that others and I have felt in the last two years’
Police at Legacy Funeral Directors on Anlaby Road, Hull(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
On Friday, July 31 2026, Hull funeral director Robert Bush was jailed for 20 years.
The 48-year-old left bodies to decompose at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors’ premises in the city, gave bereaved families the ashes of other people and stole money donated from collections at funerals.The “horror” and revulsion felt by the families who had lost loved ones was revealed at Hull Crown Court during a series of powerful and harrowing victim statements during the first four days of the five-day sentencing hearing.
Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing those statements – from families who had cruelly been taken advantage of when they were at their most vulnerable. Their stories need to be told, and we will ensure that they are, for as long as it takes.
It’s something that is hard to put into words; I’m disgusted at Robert Bush. He has done something unthinkable in an area that is unregulated and based on trust.
He should be ashamed of himself, and I don’t know how a human being could put on such a face when he has all these bodies behind him. Dealings with Rob made it the easiest part of my dad’s death. He made you feel that I was in charge and that he was just a normal person.
No one wants to be told that your relative has been sat for six months god knows where and in what condition. The past two years have been hell, and I feel I am stuck and cannot move forward. I have not fully grieved my dad dying as this is now overshadowed by how he was treated.
I feel guilty for choosing Legacy Funeral Directors. I feel guilty for not being able to afford a more expensive company. I constantly think about what I could have done differently to avoid this.
I have only been able to attend one funeral since this case. It was painful. Instead of grieving my friend I was overcome with thoughts such as is she in the casket, will her family get the ashes, will Castle Hill receive the donations? In an already emotional setting, those are the thoughts in my mind because of Mr Bush.
I have had to remind myself that I have not done anything wrong. I am a victim, and Mr Bush is the one that should feel the guilt, hurt and pain that others and I have felt in the last two years. Mr Bush should not be able to commit a crime to this extent and get off lightly. The consequences of his actions are lifelong. Due to a trial not taking place, we have not received any answers.
I would like to know if it is possible to ask Mr Bush a question. The ashes I received in June 2023 were returned as my dad was cremated in November 2023. I would like to simply know if this was my dad. I would like to know if the ashes I have at home are my dad. I feel I need this answer to move forward.
Billie-Jo Chapman