Spiteful Mother Jailed for Stealing £50k Inheritance from Her Daughters

In a shocking case of familial betrayal, Katherine Hill, a 53-year-old woman from Alltwen in Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for stealing £50,000 of inheritance intended for her two daughters.

Her 93-year-old father, Gerald Hill from Fairwood in Swansea, received a 12-month suspended sentence for his role in the crime. The pair were found guilty of fraud by abuse of power after a trial last month.

The sentencing took place at Swansea Crown Court, where Recorder Greg Bull KC described the defendants as “thoroughly dishonest people.” The court heard that the inheritance was left to Hill’s daughters, Jessica and Gemma Thomas, by their grandmother, Margaret Hill, who passed away in 2013. Katherine Hill also received an inheritance of about £40,000 from her late mother’s estate.

James Hartson, prosecuting, explained that the money meant for Jessica and Gemma was supposed to be held in a trust until they turned 25, with Katherine and Gerald Hill acting as trustees. However, between March 2016 and March 2017, the account holding the inheritance was drained in ten withdrawals, with £35,000 withdrawn in just three transactions.

The fraudulent activities were discovered in 2018 when Gemma Thomas wanted to use some of the money as a deposit for a house. Initially, a civil investigation was launched before the family contacted the police. It was revealed that Katherine Hill had asked her elderly father to assist in siphoning the money, effectively exploiting him to carry out the fraud. Mr. Hartson noted that Gerald Hill’s involvement was due to coercion, and his culpability was considered much less than his daughter’s.

The court was told that Katherine Hill used the money out of "greed and spite," particularly annoyed that her daughters had received more inheritance than she did. The loss of the inheritance has had a profound and lasting impact on Jessica and Gemma. In her statement, Gemma Thomas detailed the emotional and financial stress caused by the crime, which has left her in significant debt and suffering from anxiety.

Jessica Thomas, now 21, described the severe mental trauma she endured, requiring counseling during her teenage years. She expressed her disbelief and disappointment, stating, “It’s difficult to understand how my own family can cause such harm to their own flesh and blood.” She also felt “disgusted” by her grandfather’s actions, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on her and her sister.

In defense of Katherine Hill, Matt Murphy pointed out that she had no previous convictions and had been trusted with overseeing “thousands of accounts” in her previous role at a high street bank. Harry Dickens, representing Gerald Hill, argued that his client was unlikely to reoffend given his advanced age and the fact that he now has no family support.

Addressing Katherine Hill directly, Recorder Bull KC stated he was convinced that she was the mastermind behind the scheme. “You were so annoyed that your daughters received more money than you, that you took their inheritance,” he said. “You did it in greed and spite, using the money as a weapon against your own daughters. I can’t imagine a more cynical breach of trust than this.”

The court also heard that initial attempts by the victims to recover the money through insurance had failed due to false submissions made by the defendants, claiming the funds had already been received. The money remains unaccounted for, and a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will be held to attempt recovery.

The betrayal has left deep scars within the family. Jessica Thomas recounted how her grandfather dismissed her and her sister, saying, “He’s just brushed me and my sister off like we don’t exist. To hear that is obviously hard but it speaks to his character.”

Despite the sentencing, the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on Jessica and Gemma Thomas is likely to endure. Gemma spoke of her struggles with anxiety and debt, while Jessica noted the long-lasting mental trauma she experienced. Both sisters expressed a desire to move forward, though they doubt Katherine Hill will ever show remorse for her actions.

As Katherine Hill was led away to begin her sentence, she kissed her father on the cheek, a final act of solidarity in their shared wrongdoing. Gerald Hill, now isolated from his family, faces the twilight of his life alone, with no one to turn to.

This case underscores the devastating impact of familial betrayal and the lengths some will go to out of greed and spite. The sentencing serves as a stern reminder of the importance of trust and the severe consequences when that trust is breached. The Thomas sisters now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives without the inheritance that was rightfully theirs, hoping for some semblance of justice and closure from the legal proceedings that follow.