Why was Donald McPherson acquitted of murdering Paula Leeson?

Donald McPherson was acquitted of murder because prosecutors could not disprove his defense that Paula Leeson had fallen into the pool or jumped in.

What new evidence emerged about Paula Leeson's death?

New evidence included Fitbit data showing Paula Leeson's heart rate soaring before her death and a High Court ruling stating Donald McPherson deliberately killed her.

Can Donald McPherson be retried for Paula Leeson's murder?

No, the Director of Public Prosecutions has refused to allow a retrial, citing the legal principle of double jeopardy, as the evidence was available during the original trial.

Home / Crime and Justice / Heiress Drowned for Fortune: Justice Denied

Heiress Drowned for Fortune: Justice Denied

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Husband acquitted of murder despite evidence of forgery.
Family's bid for retrial rejected by top prosecutor.
Fitbit data shows victim's heart rate spike before death.

Heiress Drowned for Fortune: Justice Denied

Paula Leeson's family is devastated after their bid for a retrial of her husband, Donald McPherson, for her murder was rejected. McPherson was acquitted in 2021, but a subsequent civil case found he unlawfully killed Ms. Leeson by drowning her to access her fortune. New evidence, including data from her Fitbit watch showing a heart rate spike before her death, was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Despite this compelling evidence, Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson ruled against a retrial, stating the evidence should have been available in the original trial. This decision upholds the principle of double jeopardy, leaving the family feeling that Ms. Leeson's life is valued less than others. They have spent over £1million pursuing justice.