A daughter described as “greedy and entitled” has been ordered by a High Court to repay £2.6 million of her mother’s fortune after a legal battle with her brother. Sandra Thomas, aged 65, stands to inherit a substantial multi-million pound sum despite allegations that she and her husband, Philip Thomas, misused over £1 million of her mother’s funds for personal expenses. The court ruled that they must return the misappropriated money and properties, valued at around £2.6 million, with builder Gary entitled to half of the sum.
Judge Nicola Rushton KC criticized Sandra and Philip’s behavior, stating that they treated Jeanne MacDougall’s assets as their own personal funds without considering her needs. The court case revealed that the family’s wealth stemmed from their father’s property business, which generated significant profits from real estate in west London.
Gary contended that his mother’s mental capacity was impaired when she made changes to her will, leading to him being excluded. The legal dispute also involved allegations of financial mismanagement and extravagant spending by Sandra and Philip, including lavish dinners, luxury vacations, and a high-end wedding. The judge ultimately upheld the 2011 will, which favored Sandra and Philip, but ordered them to repay the estate for their actions.
Despite acknowledging their misuse of funds, Sandra and Philip argued that they believed they were acting in Jeanne’s best interests and attempting to lessen inheritance tax liabilities. The court found no evidence of undue influence on the will but ruled that the estate had been depleted by the couple’s actions. As a result, the estate, valued at millions, will now include additional properties and funds to be shared with Gary as part of the settlement.
