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Kennel hand of 34 years takes late Crufts champion breeder's son to court over her £1.1m will

Mary Swash, whose estate of £1.1m was divided between a £100,000 bequest to kennel hand David Brand and the remainder left to her son John Cartledge.
Mary Swash, whose estate of £1.1m was divided between a £100,000 bequest to kennel hand David Brand and the remainder left to her son John Cartledge.
David Brand, 59, and Mary Swash, whose Airedale terrier Ginger Christmas Carol took best-in-show at Crufts in 1986.
David Brand, 59, and Mary Swash, whose Airedale terrier Ginger Christmas Carol took best-in-show at Crufts in 1986.

David Brand, 59, devoted 34 years to Mary Swash's prize-winning Airedale terrier kennels in West Tisted, Hampshire, living on her estate with all bills paid and £50 weekly pocket money — yet claims the £100,000 she left him in her will falls far short of what she promised.

Mr Cartledge's lawyers warn the claim could strip him of his entire inheritance from his mother's £1.1m estate.

Mrs Swash's crowning glory was her bitch Ginger Christmas Carol, who took best-in-show at Crufts in 1986.

The judge questioned why Brand could not seek employment, and 'lauded' Cartledge's offer to buy him a £300,000 house.

MoreThe TelegraphCrufts breeder’s son sued by kennel hand over £1.1m will - The TelegraphDaily MailCrufts champion breeder's £1.1m fortune is subject of legal dogfightThe IndependentCrufts winner's £1.1m will at centre of court battle between son and kennel handThe TimesSon and kennel hand battle over Crufts champion breeder’s £1.1m will
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