Role of executor abused by second husband

The role of executor granted by a woman to her second husband was abused, as the man appropriated funds left for the deceased's child and went against the wishes of his wife's first husband.

Timothy Murphy stole more than £50,000 from a trust fund belonging to his partner's son, before the boy's father, Carl Woods, discovered the loss and reported it to the police.

While the case is a rare one, it suggests the importance of using professional executors of wills, as such experts are impartial and may be less likely to spark family feuds if aspects of a testament are disputed.

Mr Woods described the discovery as a "devastating blow", saying it revealed a lack of conscience and "complete disregard" for his deceased wife and her son.

The BBC reports despite being arrested for the crime, Mr Murphy stole almost £2,500 more before being sentenced, with Judge Timothy Clayson stating it was a "mercy" he had not extracted more.

Published by Phil Hammond