Four daughters have won a High Court battle to overturn their father's will, securing his £1 million estate after a judge ruled he was suffering from an 'insane delusion' when he made it. Michael Gwilliam, 79, a farmer and antiques dealer from the Forest of Dean, died in February 2022. His 2014 will left his four daughters only 25 per cent of his estate, with the bulk going to his sister Sheila Gwilliam, 81, and others.
Judge Leslie Blohm KC found that Mr Gwilliam had developed late-onset schizophrenia caused by a brain disorder, likely a stroke, which led him to believe his daughters were plotting against him. The judge said the will was void for lack of testamentary capacity, noting that without the delusion, Mr Gwilliam would have made no will, leaving his estate to his daughters under intestacy rules.
The court heard that Mr Gwilliam's relationship with his daughters was harmonious until 2013, when his mental health deteriorated. He became paranoid, believing he was 'under siege' in his home and accusing his daughters of stealing from him. In 2014, he was temporarily sectioned after brandishing an air rifle to 'defend himself'.
The daughters argued that their aunt Sheila and family friend Joan Brooks had exerted undue influence. The judge agreed, finding that both women intended to induce Mr Gwilliam to make a will less favourable to his children. Sheila and Joan denied the allegations, but the judge ruled in favour of the daughters, Helen Ginger, Georgina Charles, Emily Gwilliam and Caroline Gwilliam.
Caroline Gwilliam described her aunt as 'domineering', while the judge highlighted evidence that Mr Gwilliam had become 'shaking, frightened and timid', complaining of harassment from a dead neighbour. The will also included a 'letter of wishes' accusing the daughters of plotting to have him sectioned and stealing his belongings.
