Michael Tringham unravels the world of contentious probate
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Does the story of Dorset farmer David Cooper present the case for compulsory intestacy? Cooper was in effect kidnapped in his own home. Sonia Crabb and Tony Junge moved into Hardings Farm near Gillingham with their five children. They pretended friendship but stole thousands from him, taking over his £640,000 house and forcing him to live in a squalid outhouse.
When Cooper died from previously undiagnosed diabetes he was found to be acutely malnourished and to have symptoms of scurvy. Crabb and Junge were found guilty of conspiracy to steal at Dorchester Crown Court in March, a charge they denied, were sentenced last month—but no charges have been brought against them relating to Cooper's death.
Crabbe, currently serving a jail term, remains in sole control of Cooper's funeral arrangements. She is named as sole beneficiary in his will and named as executor of his estate. West Dorset Coroner Michael Johnston says: “She has not relinquished her executorship, nor made arrangements for his funeral, so the body is still in the morgue
