Judge Rules Heiress Paula Leeson Unlawfully Killed

A High Court judge has ruled that Paula Leeson, a wealthy heiress found dead in a Danish swimming pool, was unlawfully killed by her husband, Donald McPherson, thereby blocking him from inheriting her £4.4 million estate. Although McPherson was previously acquitted of murder in 2021, the court found he had a financial motive, having taken out multiple life insurance policies on his wife prior to her death. The judge noted that Paula's drowning was highly unlikely given her swimming ability and the pool's shallow depth, with evidence suggesting potential foul play. After her death, McPherson attempted to access her finances and joined a group for widows shortly after. The ruling comes after a prolonged legal battle initiated by Paula's family to prevent McPherson from benefiting from her estate. McPherson, who has a history of fraud, reportedly remains elusive, living in various South Pacific countries.