Children of the late Jim Sprott are at loggerheads over time taken to sell the family home in Combes Road, Remuera, Auckland. Daughter Lindsay is demanding damages, complaining she lost the opportunity to buy into Vancouver’s booming real estate market because of brother Adrian’s delays.
Industrial chemist Jim Sprott famously provided scientific evidence leading to Arthur Allan Thomas’ acquittal for the 1970 Crewe murders. Dr Sprott subsequently fronted high-profile campaigns in relation to topics as varied as road safety and cot death. Dying in 2014, his will provided for sale of the Remuera family home with proceeds divided amongst his three children. Lindsay alleges her brother Adrian as executor has delayed unreasonably in selling. Five years on, the property remains unsold. She says her intended purchase of a property in West Vancouver fell over in 2016 because of delays in receiving her inheritance. She states she lost the chance to buy a Vancouver property at $1.8 million; a property now worth $2.8 million. Adrian told the High Court a sale was delayed because of the chance of getting a better price: first, when changes to Auckland City rules made it possible to remove a large tree on the property; later when further rule changes opened up the possibility of subdivision.
At a preliminary High Court hearing, criteria were established to calculate changes in value of Combes Road over time and to clarify legal details of Lindsay’s intended Vancouver purchase.
Re Estate of Thomas James Sprott – High Court (27.05.19)
19.100