Daughters signature forged to steal inheritance money

A father has pleaded guilty to forging his daughter's signature in order to steal the inheritance money left to her in a trust created by her grandfather's Will.

Claire Sproston was left £8,000 as an inheritance from her grandfather and the amount would have increased to £13,000 by the time she was 18 and could access the money. Her father, Nigel, and stepmother Jane both spent the money on a holiday, as well as other purchases, and paying off some debts. Claire is now 22 and gave evidence against her stepmother who maintains that she had no involvement in the theft of the inheritance money, and said she is disgusted by her husbands actions, and that they now live separate lives under the same roof.

Nigel Sproston has pleased guilty to forging signatures as well as lying to the bank and solicitors in order to access the money, but has said he acted alone. He says he carried out the forgeries one month before Claire turned 18 and that he spent the money on a holiday for himself, debt repayment and a £1,500 gift to charity. The prosecution however, maintains that his wife Jane was involved, and Claire says that the writing on the faked documents is her stepmother's.

If you live in Northern Ireland and require legal advice in respect of making a Will, updating a Will, inheritance tax, trusts, or any other matter connected with will writing, contact one of the specialist solicitors at Wilson Nesbitt by email at estates@wilson-nesbitt.com .

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