Shameless Executor Defrauds Family of £166,000 Inheritance
A callous fraudster who brazenly stole a substantial inheritance from a grieving family has been sentenced to 40 months imprisonment. Peter Littler, aged 61, was appointed as the executor of Joseph Webster's will but instead of distributing the £166,000 estate fairly, he diverted the funds for his personal use.
Systematic Betrayal of Trust
Littler was entrusted with executing the will of Joseph Webster, who passed away in September 2022. The estate included proceeds from the sale of Mr. Webster's house, which should have been distributed among his children and grandchildren. However, Littler transferred the money directly into his own bank account, ignoring repeated requests from the rightful beneficiaries.
At one point, when confronted by a family member, Littler arrogantly declared that he "can do what I want as executor of the will." This statement epitomized his complete disregard for both legal obligations and basic human decency.
Lavish Spending While Family Suffered
The court heard how Littler spent the stolen inheritance on extravagant personal expenses. He splashed £3,000 on a 60th birthday celebration and invested £2,000 in semen from an Olympic racehorse. Additionally, he used the funds to clear his own overdraft while the legitimate heirs struggled financially.
Among the victims was a family member caring for a child with cancer, who desperately needed financial support. Another beneficiary suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, making the stolen funds particularly crucial for medical and living expenses.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Littler, formerly of Stretton, Cheshire, was arrested and charged with fraud by abuse of position. He eventually pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Preston Crown Court. Judge Michael Maher condemned Littler's "manifest abuse of the trust placed in you" and noted his complete lack of remorse.
The judge emphasized: "Your corrupt and selfish actions deprived them of the ability to make financial choices in their own lives, such as reducing mortgage payments, renovating, moving house or taking holidays, simply to make their lives easier."
Family Devastation and Civil Action
In a victim impact statement, Karen Littler—the fraudster's estranged wife—described the profound devastation caused by his crimes. She revealed that her father's dying wish was for family reconciliation, making Littler's betrayal particularly cruel.
The family has been forced to initiate civil proceedings to recover the stolen money, adding legal battles to their emotional trauma. Detective Sergeant John Whittle of Skelmersdale CID praised the investigation that led to Littler's conviction, noting that his "dishonesty and manipulation caused his victims further anguish during what was already a difficult time."
This case serves as a stark warning about the vulnerabilities in estate administration and the devastating impact of financial betrayal within families during times of grief.
