When Ronald Butcher passed away at his home in March 2013, aged 75, he left a Will which left his whole estate to Daniel Sharp. Mr Sharp is a builder by trade and helped Mr Butcher with odd jobs around his house, including cleaning out his gutters.
Whilst Mr Butcher did leave remote family members behind, he had decided not to include them in the terms of his Will, unlike his previous Will which left his whole estate to them.
Mr Sharp has now found himself in the middle of a legal battle, brought by Mr Butcher’s family members. Whilst they accept that Mr Butcher did have the mental capacity to prepare the Will, they are raising concerns as to his reasoning’s.
The family are arguing that the odd nature of the gift should raise suspicion as to whether Mr Butcher fully comprehended the outcome of his new Will.
Mr Sharp is seemingly as confused as the family are, as to why Mr Butcher made this bequest, but simply puts it down to making a friend in Mr Butcher. Mr Butcher always offered payment for Mr Sharp’s services, but it was always refused. Mr Sharp told the High Court in London how Mr Butcher liked to take time to talk to Mr Sharp and explained how he always enquired after Mr Sharp’s family.
Marry this with the fact that Mr Butcher’s family didn’t visit or speak to him very often and some can probably understand his intentions.
The hearing in the High Court continues, so watch this space.