Man jailed after conning grieving family out of inheritance in Lancashire
Peter Littler has been jailed for 40 months
A man has been jailed for 40 months after conning a grieving Lancashire family out of their inheritance money.
Peter Littler, 61, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position.
Preston Crown Court heard how Littler was appointed executor of a man’s will.
The man wrote in said will that shares would be passed to his two children, and the third share split between his grandchildren.
When he died, Littler sold the man's house but failed to transfer the money, which was now in his bank account, to a solicitor.
The solicitor would've distributed the money to the man's children and grandchildren.
Littler told one of the beneficiaries that he “can do what I want as executor of the will”.
DS John Whittle, of Skelmersdale CID, said: “Peter Littler’s dishonesty and manipulation caused his victims further anguish during what was already a difficult time.
“He chose to withhold the funds for his own selfish reasons, even telling one of the victims that he could do what he wanted as executor. He flaunted his position as executor and used that to cause more distress to the victims.
“I would like to praise former Detective Constable Graham Leyland whose meticulous investigation left Mr Littler with no option but to plead guilty at an earlier hearing, ensuring justice for the victim.”