Husband Cleared of Murder, Accused of Killing Wealthy Wife for Money
A judge recently ruled that Donald McPherson, 51, fraudulently caused the death of his wealthy wife, Paula Leeson. Despite being cleared of her murder in the past, McPherson has been blocked from inheriting his wife’s £4.4 million estate. The court discovered that he had taken out several secret life insurance policies on her, totaling £3.5 million. Paula Leeson drowned in a swimming pool at a holiday cottage that McPherson had booked for them in Denmark in 2017.
- Donald McPherson denied murdering his wife, but evidence points to his involvement.
- McPherson was found not guilty of the murder in 2021, despite suspicions.
- Secret life insurance policies worth millions were discovered.
The judge, Mr. Justice Richard Smith, concluded that McPherson unlawfully killed his wife by rendering her unconscious and causing her to drown in the pool. It was revealed that McPherson’s motive for the crime was financial gain. The judge described McPherson as a deceitful individual, highlighting the prevalence of lies and dishonesty in his life, especially for monetary benefits.
- Judge Richard Smith found McPherson guilty of unlawfully causing the death of his wife, Paula Leeson.
- The judge emphasized McPherson’s dishonesty and deceitful nature.
- After the murder, McPherson was prevented from benefiting from his wife’s estate.
Paula Leeson’s family, including her elderly father, Willy Leeson, and brother, Neville, were present during the court proceedings. They, along with her son, Ben, run a successful business where Paula first met McPherson, who falsely claimed to be a prosperous property developer. Despite appearing affluent, McPherson had financial struggles and had taken out multiple life insurance policies on Paula.
- Paula Leeson’s family pursued legal action to prevent McPherson from benefiting financially from her death.
- McPherson failed to appear in court or provide representation.
- Potential financial gain was likely McPherson’s motive for the murder.
The judge’s ruling shed light on McPherson’s deceptive behavior and the tragic loss experienced by Paula’s family. The case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of greed and dishonesty in personal relationships.