Banks refund victims of fake funeral plans

Almost £35,000 has been refunded to victims who were sold fake funeral plans by Hull undertaker Robert Bush, an MP said.

Bush was sentenced to 20 years in prison in July for denying 30 people a decent and proper burial, theft, and fraudulent trading, including selling fake funeral policies. He defrauded nearly 200 families out of £562,117, Hull Crown Court heard.

Emma Hardy MP, who campaigned for banks to refund victims, said many had suffered significant distress after spending their life savings on fake policies.

She said Barclays, Lloyds, Santander, Natwest, Nationwide and Virgin had made goodwill refunds to their customers, which she hoped would provide "at least some measure of justice".

Bush, 48, sold some customers plans for £2,695, Hull Crown Court heard during his sentencing hearing.

However, some victims remain out of pocket.

Hardy's office said it was more difficult to obtain refunds for those families who paid cash for their funeral plans at the disgraced funeral director's request.

These included an elderly lady who saved the small amount left from her pension each month at home, until she had the total amount to pay in cash.

This situation means there was no single bank withdrawal to act as proof of purchase, alongside her receipt from Bush.

Hardy's office said they would not give up fighting for reimbursement for families.

Also suffering financially are the 12 charities Bush stole from.

He pleaded guilty to stealing charity collection boxes, into which funeral mourners had made cash donations in their loved one's memory.

The Hull Fishing Heritage Centre lost an unknown amount of money in this way.

Chair Jerry Thompson said he hoped a forthcoming Proceeds of Crime Hearing may help recoup lost donations.

The hearing is listed for a mention on Monday 16 November at Hull Crown Court.

A Proceeds of Crime Hearing aims to strip convicted offenders of any financial benefit gained from their crimes.

More than £3m had entered bank accounts belonging to Bush or his business, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, between March 2017 and April 2024, the court heard during his sentencing hearing.

However, after his arrest in March 2024, Bush told police he had debts of about £90,000 and a cash flow problem.

Thompson said he "fears there will be nothing left for victims", including the charity he represents.

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