Mum Who Stole £500,000 From Disabled Daughter Is Now Trying To Contest Her Will

A mum who stole £500,000 from her disabled daughter's compensation pay-out is now in a legal battle to contest her deceased daughter's will.

Forty-seven-year old Cathy Svendsen and her now ex-husband Robert Hill, went on an eight-year spending 'lottery-style- spending spree, splashing out on cars, houses, holidays and cosmetic surgery, the Grimsby Telegraph reports.

Svendsen's ex husband Robert Hills admitted wrongdoing. Credit: SWNS

Svendsen also lost at least £82,000 on a business venture, which eventually failed.

The deception came to light when Svendsen wanted to put Samantha into a care home, so the couple could go on holiday.

In court, Svendsen denied four counts of theft, but was found guilty by a jury at Doncaster Crown Court.

Hills admitted wrongdoing. The pair were jailed back in January 2014 for taking the money from daughter Samantha's £2.6million compensation fund.

Svendsen was handed a five-and-a-half-year sentence while Hills, who gave evidence against his ex-wife at trial, was given a three years and four months.

Doncaster Crown Court. Credit: PA

Samantha died last year aged 32 after going on one last holiday. She left her £160,000 bungalow to a group of carers who looked after her, cutting Svendsen out entirely.

Samantha needed round-the-clock care from a team of carers after being starved of oxygen at birth, due to a medical mistake.

Samantha, who had cerebal palsy was also left wheelchair bound, unable to speak or feed herself. In 1999 she was awarded a £2.6million compensation pay-out.

Svendsen, who was released from prison after serving half of her sentence, has now raised a dispute over her late daughter's will and is attempting to get the house for herself, according to the Sun.

Cathy Svendsen stood trial under the name Cathy Watson. Credit: SWNS

A source told the paper: "Sam went on holiday last year. She knew it would be her last and she died on the plane home.

"She left her house to the carers. Her mum then declared a vested interest. It's deplorable."

Lawyers acting on behalf of Sam confirmed to the Sun that the will was being contested.

Sources: The Grimsby Telegraph; The Sun

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19