Victims of the Legacy Funeral scandal say it is an “insult” Hull undertaker Robert Bush has lodged an application to appeal against his 20-year prison sentence.

Bush, 48, admitted keeping 30 bodies after their funerals, presenting families with the ashes of strangers and selling fake funeral plans.

He pleaded guilty to 67 separate offences and was sentenced in July 2026.

Humberside Police said it had been notified by the Criminal Appeal Office at the Royal Courts of Justice and added “any decision regarding the appeal will be a matter for the courts”.

In August, Bush wrote to families impacted by his crimes to express regret and say he was “deeply sorry”.

Prosecutors said he ran a “shambolic and chaotic” funeral business at premises on Hessle Road in Hull and his “appalling” offending had caused “extreme emotional pain, anguish and upset”.

His crimes over a 12-year period involved more than 300 victims.

Natalie Smith’s grandfather, Norman Bridger, was one of 35 bodies found by police at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull in March 2024.

His family had held a funeral and said their goodbyes but later discovered he had been in Bush’s unrefrigerated premises for 11 months.

Smith said although she was not surprised Bush wanted to appeal his sentence, she said it was “unfair” that he could launch an appeal while Proceeds of Crime proceedings attempting to confiscate the profits of Bush’s crimes were still ongoing.

Jasmine Beverley said she was “troubled” that victims may have to “relive the hurt they have already experienced” with a further appeal hearing.

Beverley’s premature son, Sunny Beverley-Conlin, was found in a paper bag on the floor of Bush’s parlour two years after his death.

Tristan Essex, whose grandmother Jessie Stockdale was one of the 35 bodies discovered, said he was “absolutely disgusted” by the appeal, and that it added “cruelty to our suffering”.

Bush will find out at a later date whether his application will be heard in the Court of Appeal.

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