We were asked to help Mr Hornett, an elderly man, to draft a new Will leaving his estate (£3million) to one of his carers. We suspected undue influence so met him without the carers. After establishing he had mental capacity and what he really wanted, we drafted a Will naming us as executors and leaving his entire estate to eight charities.
After Mr Hornett’s death, the carers were found guilty of five counts of fraud and one of handling criminal property. Both were given custodial sentences.
The Crown Prosecution Service and the Police confirmed our role was vital in bringing this successful prosecution. The crime was for a total of £750,000 and we have worked with the Police to realise as much of this as possible for the charities.
This case was reported in the Herts Advertiser and the Daily Mail.