Executor Jailed for Stealing £166,000 Inheritance and Spending on Extravagances
A fraudster who shamelessly misappropriated a grieving family's inheritance, spending substantial sums on horse semen and lavish celebrations, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison. Peter Littler, 61, from Stretton, Cheshire, betrayed his position as executor of his father-in-law's will, causing profound emotional and financial devastation to six beneficiaries.
Breach of Trust and Selfish Expenditure
Littler was appointed executor of Joseph Webster's will in September 2022, just two weeks before Webster's death. The will stipulated that £166,000 from the sale of Webster's house should be distributed to his children and grandchildren. However, when the house sold in May 2023, Littler transferred the entire amount directly into his personal bank account.
Ignoring repeated requests from the rightful beneficiaries, Littler embarked on a spending spree that included £3,000 for his 60th birthday party and £2,000 for semen from an Olympic racehorse. He also used the stolen funds to pay down his own significant overdraft, having applied for a personal loan just one month earlier.
Family Devastation and Cruel Accusations
At Preston Crown Court, Judge Michael Maher condemned Littler's "manifest abuse of trust" and "corrupt and selfish actions." The judge noted that Littler knew one beneficiary had Multiple Sclerosis and another had a child with leukemia, yet he deliberately withheld funds that could have eased their financial burdens.
In a particularly cruel twist, Littler attempted to publicly vilify his estranged wife Karen during proceedings, claiming she had only reconciled with her father for financial gain. Judge Maher found "no substance" to these allegations, noting that Karen Littler had provided end-of-life care for her father and that Littler had deliberately concealed correspondence from solicitors.
Victim Impact and Financial Consequences
Karen Littler's victim impact statement described the "physical, emotional and financial devastation" caused by her husband's crimes. "My father would be heartbroken," she said. "He wanted us to become friends again – it was his dying wish."
The family was forced to initiate civil proceedings to recover the stolen inheritance, adding legal stress to their grief. Detective Sergeant John Whittle of Skelmersdale CID praised the investigation that led to Littler's guilty plea, stating: "Peter Littler's dishonesty and manipulation caused his victims further anguish during what was already a difficult time."
Sentencing and Lack of Remorse
Judge Maher emphasized that Littler's actions deprived beneficiaries of opportunities to reduce mortgage payments, renovate homes, or take holidays that would have improved their lives. "To keep that money from them is, in my judgement, mean and shabby," the judge declared.
Littler pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and showed no remorse for what the judge called an "act of utter betrayal." The 40-month prison sentence reflects the severity of breaching executor responsibilities and the profound harm caused to vulnerable family members during their time of grief.
