Jailed Hull funeral director Robert Bush has lodged an application to appeal against his 20-year prison sentence, Humberside Police have confirmed. Bush, 48, was sentenced at Hull Crown Court in July 2026 after pleading guilty to 67 offences connected to Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, the business he ran in Hull.

The force said it had been notified by the Criminal Appeal Office at the Royal Courts of Justice that Bush had applied to challenge his sentence. It added that any decision on the appeal would be a matter for the courts, and Bush will learn at a later date whether his application will be heard by the Court of Appeal. Lodging an application does not mean permission to appeal has been granted, and his sentence stands unless a court decides otherwise.

Families call the appeal bid an insult

Families affected by the Legacy funeral scandal have condemned the move, describing it as an insult to victims. Bush admitted keeping 30 bodies after their funerals, presenting grieving families with the ashes of strangers and selling fake funeral plans. His offending spanned about 12 years and affected hundreds of families.

When he was sentenced, Mr Justice Hilliard described Bush’s behaviour as shocking and heartless, driven by financial greed at the expense of grieving families. The judge said no sentence could put right the harm done. Bush was also disqualified as a company director for 14 years.

What happens next

The Court of Appeal will first decide whether Bush’s application can proceed. Until then, the 20-year term imposed in July remains in force. The case prompted the Government to bring forward proposals for formal regulation of the funeral sector, to drive rogue operators out of the industry and give bereaved families stronger protection.