Karen Littler, 58, from Cheshire, regrets remarrying her ex-husband Peter Littler, 61, after he defrauded her and family members out of a £166,000 inheritance. Peter, appointed executor of Karen’s father Joseph Webster’s will, kept the proceeds from a house sale for his own extravagant spending, including horse semen and a lavish birthday party. The betrayal led to massive debts, the repossession of their family home, and Peter’s imprisonment for fraud.
Early Relationship and Divorce
Karen and Peter met in the late 1980s when she stabled her horse at his parents’ property. Attracted to his charisma, they married in 1990. However, Peter devoted his time and resources to rally cars, neglecting their marriage, which ended in divorce.
Karen rebuilt her life, earning a master’s degree, securing a good job, owning a home, and raising two daughters from a subsequent relationship.
Unexpected Reunion and Lavish Lifestyle
In 2008, Peter reappeared, charming Karen with promises of change. Despite her independence, she gave him a second chance. They reunited in 2012 and remarried in 2018.
Peter ran a security company he claimed was thriving. He acquired rally cars, an Aston Martin, and a team of drivers. The couple attended racetracks, mingling with millionaires and celebrities like Paul Hollywood in the GT Cup.
Peter expanded into racehorses, purchasing a luxury horsebox, a team, semen from an Olympic champion, and a horse formerly owned by royalty. Karen managed the home while Peter controlled finances. ‘He appeared extremely wealthy,’ she recalls, though their marriage grew unhappy, leaving her feeling trapped.
Father’s Illness and Inheritance Betrayal
In 2022, Karen reconciled with her estranged father, Joseph Webster, 84, who suffered from lung disease. Despite their brief reconnection, Joseph named Peter executor of his will, which Karen attributes to Peter’s charm.
Joseph insisted on a simple funeral to maximize funds for family, including one relative with multiple sclerosis and another with a child battling cancer. After his death in September 2022, Peter received the £166,000 house sale proceeds directly.
Karen received only £29,000 after Peter intercepted her cheque. ‘Dad wanted all his money to come to us, yet Peter stole it without apology,’ she states. ‘The betrayal is unforgivable.’
Financial Ruin and Legal Action
Peter’s company liquidated suddenly, debts surfaced, and threats prompted police involvement, revealing his financial woes. The family home faced repossession due to unpaid mortgage and bills. Creditors pursued Karen relentlessly.
The couple separated in February 2024. Karen reported the fraud, initially dismissed as civil, but appealed successfully. Bailiffs seized assets, though she rehomed the horses. Now renting a smaller property and working as an executive assistant, Karen copes with anxiety and PTSD.
Court Sentencing
This month at Preston Crown Court, Peter pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, receiving 40 months in prison and a seven-year restraining order against Karen.
Judge Michael Maher condemned him: ‘This was a manifest abuse of trust. Your corrupt actions cheated six beneficiaries out of substantial inheritance from a loved father and grandfather. You deprived them of financial choices like reducing mortgages or holidays. Knowing one had multiple sclerosis and her child leukaemia makes it mean and shabby.’
Karen attended court daily with her father’s ashes. ‘This was justice for him and my family,’ she says. ‘Fighting has made us stronger. I’m rebuilding without fear and lies.’
