Lotto winner William John Bampton from Twin Waters on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast had his world turned upside down after winning the $986,000 lotto prize in March 2018, according to news.com.au.
92-year-old Bampton attempted to reclaim a $300,000 “gift” he provided to his daughter, resulting in an acrimonious legal struggle that has left the elderly father alienated from both his daughters.
According to a Brisbane District Court decision, Bampton put down a $50,000 deposit on a four-bedroom Mountain Creek property immediately after winning the jackpot, followed by paying an extra $505,030 to co-own the home with his son, Larry.
In August of 2018, he gifted $300,000 to his daughter, Suzanne Elaine Vourlides.
According to news.com.au, this transaction became the main point of issue as Bampton tried to have the funds set aside, claiming that [daughter] Vourlides had unfairly influenced him or subjected him to unconscionable behaviour.
Vourlides, on the other hand, claimed that her father willingly gave her the $300,000 on his own initiative.
Despite Bampton’s plea, Brisbane’s District Court Judge, Suzanne Sheridan rejected the claim, hinting at prospective cost orders unless the parties could reach an arrangement.
“Although Mr Bampton was of advanced age and had medical conditions, the medical evidence was to the effect that he had full capacity and well understood and was able to manage his financial affairs,” Judge Sheridan said.
Vourlides stated that the conflict has since destroyed her family.
“At the end of the day, I’m over it, quite frankly, it’s destroyed people’s lives. The whole thing is terrible,” Vourlides said.
Bampton wishes to contest the court’s ruling, lamenting that there were no winnings remaining.
Source: news.com.au
