Peter Littler
Fraud by abuse of position *
Sentence
40 months imprisonment
Peter Littler, 61, of Stretton, Cheshire, was appointed executor of Joseph Webster's will after a reconciliation between Webster and Littler's wife, Karen, shortly before Webster's death in September 2022. The will had previously named Gary Hilton as executor. When Mr Webster's house was sold in May 2023, the proceeds of approximately £166,000 were due to be distributed among six beneficiaries—Webster's children and grandchildren—but Littler diverted the funds directly into his own bank account. He spent the money on personal items, including a £3,000 60th birthday party and £2,000 on semen from an Olympic racehorse, and used it to clear his overdraft. Littler ignored repeated requests from the family and told one beneficiary he 'can do what I want as executor'. He was arrested and charged with fraud by abuse of position.
Pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. Appointed executor of Joseph Webster's will, he transferred the £166,000 estate directly into his own bank account, using it for personal spending, and repeatedly ignored the family's demands. Judge Michael Maher described his actions as 'mean and shabby' and stated he had 'zero remorse'.