From TV Property Millionaire to Bankrupt Benefits Claimant
A self-proclaimed television property expert, who once claimed to own a £30 million housing portfolio, is now residing on an old schoolfriend's sofa and claiming state benefits, a court heard this week. Glenn Armstrong, aged 66, previously appeared on the Channel 4 programme 'How The Other Half Live', a spin-off from 'Secret Millionaire', where he boasted extensively about his substantial wealth. Today, he finds himself penniless and legally prohibited from making contact with his former spouse.
A Dramatic Fall from Financial Grace
The bankrupt former video shop proprietor established Glen Armstrong's Property Millionaire Academy Ltd., a venture designed to instruct aspiring investors on how to amass a fortune in real estate. However, the company encountered severe difficulties, with numerous customers pursuing him for refunds. In 2021, Armstrong was declared bankrupt for a second time, with debts exceeding £4 million.
Following the sale of his luxurious seven-bedroom residence, Carisbrook House in Sherington, Buckinghamshire—which was listed on the market for £3 million—Armstrong and his then-wife, 'Lady' Charlotte Robertson, 39, relocated to the landmark 'Boomerang' building in Bankside. The couple, however, accumulated significant rent arrears at their luxury apartment, totalling £209,747. A County Court eviction order was subsequently issued in August 2021.
Legal Troubles and Family Strife
Armstrong, who asserted he once owned over two hundred properties in the Milton Keynes region, was sentenced at Bromley Magistrates' Court for violating court orders that forbade him from contacting his ex-wife. He pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a non-molestation order on September 20, October 10, and November 14 of last year.
Prosecutor Paloma Rao informed the court that the couple share four young children, all of whom reside with their mother. She holds a court order valid until May, which bans Armstrong from contacting her or attending her home address. The breach in October occurred when Armstrong messaged her, while the other two incidents involved him visiting the property.
'This was as a result of childcare arrangements for the children,' explained Ms. Rao. 'The victim admits Mr Armstrong stayed at her home address for two weeks.' During the September breach, Armstrong had taken two of the children to the shops, prompting a call from the mother who was concerned about their welfare.
Defence and Sentencing
Sonia White, defending, stated: 'Mr Armstrong is a man of sixty-six years-old, who has never been in trouble before, is of good character and now finds himself in court.' She highlighted the breakdown of his second relationship and his concurrent financial struggles, noting that his ex-partner is much younger and struggling to care for their four children.
'She has asked for help with the children and he has gone along, prioritising the children over the court order,' added Ms. White. The children were temporarily placed in foster care but have since returned to their mother, with social services heavily involved in the family's situation.
Armstrong, currently staying with a friend in Pearcy Close, Harold Hill, Romford, and without a property of his own, was placed on a twelve-month Community Order. This includes twenty days of a rehabilitation activity requirement. He was also fined £80, with £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Armstrong successfully requested to pay at a rate of £5 per week, as he is currently reliant on benefits.
Bench Chairman Ian Rubie told Armstrong: 'You pleaded guilty to the three breaches when you were trying to be helpful with the children. However, there was a court order and you breached it.'
Creditors and Wider Debts
Watching from the public gallery were two of Armstrong's creditors, who indicated outside court that the total sum pursued by individuals and tax authorities is closer to £13.6 million. His ex-wife, 'Lady' Charlotte Robertson, was reportedly rehoused by the local council and now lives in a more modest residence in Sydenham, south-east London.
This case underscores a stark reversal of fortune for a man who once epitomised property investment success on national television, now navigating bankruptcy, legal restrictions, and dependence on state support.
