Anyone can become a funeral director and “keep bodies in the garage”, the chairman of the inquiry warned today, calling for urgent regulation of the funeral sector.
Sir Jonathan Michael, Chairman Davida Fullera inquiry, says the public would be “shocked” by the lack of an independent statutory regulatory system for funeral directors in England.
He set out his recommendations for the sector in light of recent “disturbing reports of neglect”.
He said: “It is clear to me that many people believe or assume that the sector is already regulated and are shocked to discover that this is not the case.
“The fact is that anyone can become a mortician. He could do this from his home and keep the bodies of the dead in his garage where no one could stop them. This can't be right.”
An investigation was launched into how Fuller, a maintenance manager, may have committed a sexual crime in the morgues of two hospitals in Kenta.
The first phase, published in November 2023, stated that “serious shortcomings“at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, which enabled Fuller to commit his crimes.
David Fuller: The “vulture” that looked normal
In the second phase we look at the wider picture across the country across the NHS and other services such as funeral homes.
Sir Jonathan said: “I hope that publishing this interim report now will help both the Government and the funeral industry itself to take steps that will reassure the public that care in the funeral industry is fit for purpose.
“We need a regulatory system that will not tolerate any form of abuse or any practice that threatens the safety and dignity of the deceased.”
Warning: The following contains descriptions that some readers may find disturbing
Several cases raised concerns. Earlier this year, an investigation was launched into suspicions of preventing a legal and dignified burial at a funeral home in Hull.
In May 2022, the undertaker from BlackpoolNigel Robinson-Wright was jailed for 17 years after posing for photos next to a naked corpse and inviting a man to have sex with a corpse in his mortuary.
In November 2021, Sharon Howell, a funeral director from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to prison for leaving the deceased to decompose and defrauding relatives.
In other cases, during the investigation, evidence emerged that personal belongings were not disposed of in accordance with the deceased's wishes, garbage was left in the coffin and the deceased was spat at for supporting another football team.
Read more from Sky News:
Health Secretary warns against nudging in the name of 'Instagram perfect body'
Phillip Schofield 'devastated' by mother's death
Discover the global network behind the UK riots
For a more accessible video player, please use Chrome
The victim's mother calls for a change in the law
Nevres Kemal, whose daughter Azra was one of Fuller's victims, told Sky News: 'I am absolutely shocked. I think the public believes that funeral homes are regulated by codes of conduct regarding the care of remains.
“Restaurants are regulated, nursing homes are regulated, basic amenities are regulated, why not regulate those caring for our dead?
Stay up to date with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Click here
“Then we have an organization like the Trust where Fuller was allowed to abuse, rape and body violate for over 10 years.
“Sir Jonathan Michael highlighted all the shortcomings, but who allowed this to happen? Who is to blame?
“No one has been held accountable, either collectively or individually, and that is unacceptable.”
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has been contacted for comment.
