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.

McPherson, a convicted fraudster, had forged Ms. Leeson's will and taken out significant life insurance policies. While cleared of murder, a High Court judge later ruled his motive was financial, invalidating the will and his claim to insurance payouts. The DPP's decision means McPherson, who has since returned to New Zealand, will not face further criminal proceedings for Ms. Leeson's death.