A heartless con artist who deceived a mourning family out of a substantial amount of money, having been entrusted with a relative’s estate, proudly declared his autonomy in the matter. Peter Littler, aged 61, was assigned as the executor of Joseph Webster’s will, responsible for equitably distributing the deceased’s £166,000 inheritance among his offspring and grandchildren. However, Littler deviated from the intended course of action. Instead of following the proper procedure of transferring the proceeds from the sale of the deceased’s property through solicitors to the rightful heirs, Littler redirected the funds directly into his personal bank account and disregarded the family’s requests for restitution.
In a blatant display of disregard for the family’s rights, Littler brazenly indulged in extravagant spending, including organizing a £3,000 birthday celebration, purchasing £2,000 worth of semen from an Olympic racehorse, and financially aiding a family member caring for a child with cancer. Despite these actions, Littler concealed his spending spree from the rightful beneficiaries, as reported by Lancs Live. Moreover, he utilized the sale proceeds to settle his own overdraft instead of fulfilling his obligations to the lawful heirs.
During the proceedings at Preston Crown Court, it was revealed that Littler’s spouse, Karen, had recently reconciled with her father, Joseph Webster, after a prolonged estrangement. Following Mr. Webster’s decision to appoint Littler as the executor just two weeks before his demise in September 2022, a position previously designated to Gary Hilton, tensions arose within the family. Mrs. Littler, now separated from her husband, disclosed that Littler had urged her to pursue a claim on a property in Spain left to her sister, despite their marital dynamics where she depended on his financial support.
Subsequent to the sale of Mr. Webster’s residence in May 2023, the funds were intended to be transferred to a solicitor overseeing the estate. However, Littler illicitly diverted the funds into his own account and disregarded lawful requests for transfer, leading to his apprehension, interrogation, and subsequent court appearance on charges of fraud by abuse of position. Ultimately, Littler pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 40-month prison term by Judge Michael Maher at Preston Crown Court.
In a scathing rebuke, Judge Maher emphasized Littler’s lack of remorse for the irreparable harm inflicted upon the family, condemning his manipulative actions that deprived the beneficiaries of their rightful inheritance. Detective Sergeant John Whittle of Skelmersdale CID commended the meticulous investigative efforts of former Detective Constable Graham Leyland, highlighting Littler’s deceitful conduct and the emotional distress caused to the victims. Whittle expressed solidarity with the six affected beneficiaries, emphasizing the profound sense of betrayal they experienced due to Littler’s treacherous behavior.
