October 20, 2025
Chris Paxton KC and Steven Ball have been instructed in the prosecution of funeral director Robert Bush who faces 67 charges, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful burial and fraudulent trading.
He pleaded guilty on October 15, 2025 to 36 counts of fraud including 35 counts of fraud by false representation relating to the presentation of ashes and 1 count of fraudulent trading relating to over £500,000 worth of funeral plans. The fraud charges included handing unidentified ashes to the parents of four stillborn babies.
Mr Bush has pleaded not guilty to preventing the lawful burial of bodies which had not been cremated as expected. He also denies stealing funds from 12 charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, The Salvation Army, RNLI and Help for Heroes.
The trial is fixed for October 5, 2026 at Sheffield Crown Court and is scheduled to last 8 weeks.
Chris Paxton KC and Steven Ball have been instructed by Stephen Abigail of the Serious Economic, Organised Crime and International Directorate, CPS.
RLC Counsel:
Chris Paxton KC: [Christopher Paxton KC Profile]
Steven Ball: [Steven Ball Profile]
News stories:
[The Guardian]
[BBC]
[ITV News]
[Daily Mail]
[Independent ]
[Sky News]
[Metro]
[Daily Mail]
