A former cider company boss who torched his brother's car after a will dispute has been ordered to pay £875,000 in legal costs. Alastair Bowerman, 57, sued his brothers over their parents' wills but lost, leaving him with a massive bill that wipes out his inheritance many times over.
Background of the Dispute
Alastair Bowerman was left a one-third share of the £230,000 cash in his parents' wills, while his brother Ben Bowerman, 60, received cash and shares in the 460-acre family farm on Dorset's Isle of Purbeck. The farm includes a Grade-I listed medieval manor house and a lucrative mineral water spring.
Their parents, Jean and John Bowerman, originally made wills in 1988, splitting cash between Alastair and third brother David to balance Ben's inheritance of the farm business. However, in 1999, they made new wills giving Ben an equal share of cash and remaining farm shares.
Arson Conviction
Relations between the brothers deteriorated, leading to Alastair's criminal conviction for arson in 2015 after he set fire to Ben's car. A restraining order was issued against him.
Court Challenge
Alastair challenged the 1999 wills in London's High Court, arguing his father lacked capacity and his mother was unduly influenced by Ben. Although the judge found John lacked capacity, she ruled Alastair delayed too long—18.5 years—to bring the claim. The challenge to Jean's will was also dismissed.
Costs Order
At a costs hearing, Alastair was ordered to pay £475,000 upfront toward an estimated £875,000 total. The court noted the costs would exceed the estate's value. Alastair did not attend the hearing.
