An Australian family has been devastated by a lottery prize worth almost $666,775.
William John Bampton, 92, from Queensland, Australia, saw his life turned upside down after winning the $657,440 lottery jackpot in March 2018.
But things soured when he attempted to recover a $200,032 “gift” he gave his daughter, ending in an ugly legal battle that left the elderly father estranged from his two children.
According to a Brisbane District Court ruling last month, Bampton made a $33,338 deposit on a four-bedroom house shortly after winning the lottery.
William John Bampton, 92, from Twin Waters on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, had his life turned upside down after winning the lottery jackpot in March 2018. Stephen VanHorn – stock.adobe.com
He later paid an additional $336,741 to purchase the property co-owned with his son Larry Bampton.
In August of that year, he gave $200,032 to his daughter, Suzanne Elaine Vourlides.
This transaction became the focal point of the dispute when Mr Bampton attempted to set aside the cash, alleging that Ms Vourlides improperly influenced him or subjected him to unconscionable conduct.
Bampton attempted to return a $200,032 “gift” he gave his daughter, which ended in an ugly legal battle that left the elderly father estranged from his two children. LIGHTFIELD STUDIES – stock.adobe.com
Bampton claimed that an argument with his daughter in early August 2018 left him feeling “overwhelmed” and he had no choice but to make the payment, according to court documents.
On the other hand, Mrs. Vourlides maintained that her father voluntarily gave her $200,032.
Judge Suzanne Sheridan, in a comprehensive 39-page ruling, highlighted the extensive evidence presented by both sides.
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Importantly, court documents made it clear that, at the time of the hearing, Mr. Bampton did not have a diagnosis of dementia.
Despite Mr Bampton’s plea, Judge Sheridan dismissed the claim, hinting at possible costs orders unless an agreement could be reached between the parties.
“Although Mr Bampton was elderly and suffering from medical problems, the medical evidence demonstrated that he was of full capacity and had a good understanding and ability to manage his financial affairs,” he said.
“I cannot accept that Ms Vourlides unwittingly took advantage of Mr Bampton.
“I am prepared to accept that the gift was fair, equitable and reasonable in the circumstances.”
Mrs Vourlides said the row had crushed her family.
“At the end of the day, I’m over it; Frankly, it has destroyed people’s lives. “All of this is terrible,” she told the Mail.
Sunshine Coast resident Larry, the brother caught in the chaos, revealed his father had stopped communicating with him.
“No one wins from this, it just destroys all the family members,” he told the publication.
“Although Mr Bampton was elderly and suffering from medical problems, the medical evidence demonstrated that he was fully competent and had a good understanding and ability to manage his financial affairs,” Judge Suzanne Sheridan said. mehaniq41 – stock.adobe.com
“The worst thing that has happened to him is that he won the million dollars.
“I think it’s one of the most tragic stories in the lottery.”
Bampton said he intended to appeal the court’s decision, regretting that there were no profits left.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn