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An elderly pensioner passed away after being pushed to the ground by his stepson during a dispute over the £5 million estate of his late wife, a court was informed.
Dr. Jason Waite, 54, allegedly had a strong dislike for 87-year-old Peter Skilton due to the ongoing inheritance conflict regarding his mother Eileen Skilton’s wealth.
Jason Waite is currently on trial at Lincoln Crown Court.
Following her death in 2018 at the age of 74, Eileen left a cottage in the village of Snitterby to Peter.
The court heard that the property, which Peter had been renting out, would ultimately go to Waite after his stepfather's passing.
On December 17, Waite arrived at the cottage while Anthony and Pamela Tootell were moving in.
He started to remove the couple’s furniture, prompting them to contact Peter, who was only a minute away.
Upon his arrival, jurors heard that Waite grabbed his elderly stepfather by the jacket and shoved him back along the gravel drive toward a concrete area.
Pavlos Panayi KC, the prosecutor, stated that the two could be heard arguing before Waite “threw” Peter to the ground.
He added: “Naturally, when Peter Skilton’s head struck the ground, he sustained a serious injury.
“Peter Skilton was immediately rendered unconscious.”
“His brain began to swell, and when the air ambulance arrived, paramedics placed him in an induced coma.”
Jurors were informed that Waite sat calmly on one of the chairs he had taken from the cottage while medics worked to save his stepfather.
Peter was airlifted to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead just before 6 PM on December 19.
A post-mortem examination revealed that he died from brain injuries consistent with a head injury sustained from the fall.
The pathologist indicated that it was a severe brain injury that could have been fatal even for a healthier, younger individual.
Jurors learned that Peter, who had two daughters from his first marriage, married “wealthy” Elaine following an affair.
There was “no dispute” that he was bequeathed Ivy House cottage, but he and Waite had been embroiled in a prolonged legal battle.
Mr. Panayi stated: “These two individuals spent six years arguing over probate, disputing who was entitled to what from Eileen Skilton’s estate.”
Waite denies the charges of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.
The trial is ongoing.
Peter died after being pushed to the ground, jurors heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the altercation between Peter Skilton and Dr. Jason Waite?
The altercation stemmed from a disagreement over the inheritance of Eileen Skilton's estate, which included a cottage that Peter had inherited.
What were the circumstances of Peter Skilton's death?
Peter Skilton died after suffering severe brain injuries when he was pushed to the ground by his stepson, Dr. Jason Waite.
What is the current status of the trial?
Dr. Jason Waite is currently on trial, facing charges of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter, which he denies.
