In a recent High Court ruling, Donald McPherson has been found responsible for the unlawful killing of his wife, Paula Leeson, a 47-year-old heiress who was discovered dead in a swimming pool. This civil case verdict, delivered in Manchester, effectively prevents McPherson from inheriting his late wife's £4.4 million estate.
The incident, which occurred approximately 7 years and 3 months ago, took place during a mini-break in Nørre Nebel, a village in western Denmark. Despite Denmark's extensive 7,314 km coastline making swimming a popular activity, the circumstances surrounding Leeson's death raised suspicions.
Interestingly, swimming pools have a long history, with the oldest known public pool dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE in Pakistan. However, the first indoor swimming pool, similar to the one where Leeson was found, wasn't built until 1828 in England.
The civil case, brought by Leeson's family, concluded with Mr Justice Richard Smith's ruling that the businesswoman had been unlawfully killed by her husband. This decision comes approximately 3 years and 9 months after McPherson was formally cleared of murder in a criminal trial.
"The businesswoman had been unlawfully killed by her husband."
The case highlights the difference between civil and criminal proceedings in the UK. Civil cases use the "balance of probabilities" standard of proof, unlike criminal cases which require proof "beyond reasonable doubt." This distinction allowed for a different outcome in the civil case.
Prior to Leeson's unexpected death, McPherson, a property developer, had taken out seven life insurance policies. Life insurance, interestingly, has ancient roots, with burial clubs in ancient Rome covering funeral expenses for members. McPherson also stood to benefit substantially from his wife's stake in her family's successful construction business, an industry that accounts for about 6% of the UK's GDP.
The investigation revealed that in the days leading up to the trip, Leeson appeared preoccupied and unhappy about the prospect of going away. This "mini-break" concept, which became popular in the late 20th century with the rise of budget airlines, took a tragic turn three days into their stay.
Pathologists, employing techniques developed since the early 19th century, found that Leeson had suffered bruises on her face and arms, as well as internal bleeding at the back of her neck. However, the injuries were not conclusive enough to rule out accidental death in the criminal trial.
McPherson, born in New Zealand (the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893) and whose real name is Alexander James Lang, was initially charged with murder. The use of multiple names or aliases has historical roots in various cultures, though in this case, it added to the suspicion surrounding McPherson.
The High Court of Justice, established in 1875, has now effectively blocked McPherson from inheriting Leeson's estate. This ruling underscores the enduring importance of inheritance laws, which have existed since ancient times, with some of the earliest known laws found in the Code of Hammurabi from 1750 BCE.
This case serves as a somber reminder of the global impact of drowning, which is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. It also highlights the complex interplay between criminal and civil justice systems in resolving such tragic events.