Dispute over soldier's estate.
Hamsterley's widow's claim against father-in-law.

At Durham County Court, last evening, Louisa Mary Ann Westwater, of Hamsterley Colliery, on behalf of herself and two children, claimed from James Westwater, of Spennymoor, the sum of £34 3s 2d, balance of money forming part of the estate paid by the War Office to him, on his declaration that his son was unmarried.

Mr. Jackson explained that Mrs. Westwater married defendant's son, and they separated in 1900. From that time up to 1916 they had never lived together, although they occasionally met. The husband enlisted in 1915, and suffering from shell-shock, he returned to England, where he died.

The widow wrote to the War Office for his money, and was informed that it had been paid to the father of the deceased, and he had claimed on the ground that his son was unmarried. The Crown prosecuted the father for attempting to obtain money by false pretences, and he was acquitted on the grounds of insufficient evidence. The defendant promised to refund the money, but had neglected to do so.

The defendant's son said the form was signed by his father unknowingly. Deceased had lived with his parents for 19 years.

Defendant asked for an adjournment in order to obtain legal advice. This was granted on condition that the money and costs were paid into court within a week.