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Estranged husband turns private detective to protect himself from divorce settlement (18 December 2013)

Date: 18/12/2013
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Estranged husband turns private detective to protect himself from divorce settlement

An estranged husband’s attempts to discredit his wife’s claims for incapacity benefit landed him in court for breach of a non molestation court order, which barred him from coming within 100 yards of his wife or her new home, as well as speaking to her.

Samantha Lisle, 38, had claimed to be unfit for work after separating from her wealthy husband Andrew Maddison, 46, in October 2012.

Her estranged husband obtained photographic and video evidence of her competing in a show jumping event – but breached the non molestation order she had obtained against him in court by taking photographs and speaking to her at the stables where both their horses were in livery.

The couple had been married for seven years – Mr Maddison is claiming Ms Lisle had a long running affair during the marriage.

Ms Lisle is claiming spousal support as a result of being unfit for work, as well as maintenance from her husband, who works in the oil industry.

On 2 December at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, Mr Maddison denied two breaches of the non molestation order granted to his wife – he had been arrested after obtaining photographic evidence at Briarwood Livery Yard near Stockton in January and February.

Police had searched his car and his home and discovered two photographs Mr Maddison had taken of his estranged wife at the stables – including one showing her handling a heavy wheelbarrow at the yard.

Ms Lisle is claiming a lump sum as part of her divorce settlement and spousal support on the grounds of being medically unfit to work after sustaining injuries in a fall eight years ago.

She told the court that Mr Maddison had seen her using the wheelbarrow at the stables and had called her “a complete bitch” in response to allegations she had made about him when completing the form for the non molestation order.

Ms Lisle said she felt intimidated when she saw her estranged husband had his camera pointed at her when she was at the stables.

Maddison – of Green Leas, Carlton near Stockton – said in court his estranged wife had held down a job previously:

“I found out she was having an affair with someone – and had been for quite a period of time. I was not inclined to give her anything.

“She had a good job and resigned from it for no apparent reason.”

Mr Maddison said he had decided to obtain evidence to protect himself from having to pay his estranged wife substantial maintenance.

The hearing on 2 December was adjourned until a later date.

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