Roger Waters Triumphs in Legal Battle Over Mysterious Will

ROGER WATERS' BROTHER'S ESTATE: A DRAMA OF FAMILY, FAME, AND FALSE CLAIMS

In a bizarre and dramatic turn of events, Pink Floyd legend Roger Waters has emerged victorious in his long-standing dispute over his late brother's estate. The 81-year-old singer-songwriter was accused by a lodger, Lokuliyanage Cabral, of being a beneficiary under a mysterious will, which would have seen him inheriting the family home and other assets. But, after a grueling court battle, a judge has ruled in Waters' favor, declaring that his brother John died intestate – meaning Roger is entitled to inherit everything.

The drama began when Cabral, who had been living rent-free in the house for over 15 years, claimed he was named as the sole beneficiary under a will made by John before his death in June 2022. The lodger produced a letter, allegedly written by John in 2021, which appeared to appoint him as executor and grant him ownership of the property. However, Waters' lawyers were unconvinced and launched an investigation, discovering that there was no evidence of any will being made.

A FRIEND OR A SQUATTER?

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Cabral's claims are not just about money, but also about loyalty and friendship. The Sri Lankan-born lodger had been living in the house for over a decade, paying a paltry £400 per month rent. He claims that John had asked him to stay on after his death and would be leaving the property to charity. Cabral's neighbor, who wishes to remain anonymous, corroborates this account, stating that John had told her he wanted the two tenants – including Cabral – to stay in the house as long as they wanted.

However, Waters' lawyers painted a different picture, suggesting that Cabral's claims were nothing more than a desperate attempt to cling onto the property. "The letter is a curious document which the court will rightly treat with caution," said James McKean, Waters' barrister. "Its author and provenance are entirely unknown."

A PAYOUT OF £57,820: CABRAL'S BILLS

In a stinging rebuke, Judge Nigel Gerald ordered Cabral to pay Waters' near £60,000 in legal fees, with a total bill of £57,820. The judge was scathing in his criticism of Cabral's claims, stating that they were "false" and "intended to assert something which did not exist." He added: "Where a party raises false allegations they do so at their own peril."

WATERS' VICTORY

With the court ruling in his favor, Roger Waters is now entitled to inherit all of his brother's estate – including the family home. However, it seems that he has no intention of keeping any of the assets for himself. A spokesman for Waters confirmed that he would be donating all of the property and other assets to charity.

This latest development comes at a time when Waters is facing controversy over his views on Israel and Palestine. In February this year, it emerged that he could face prosecution after sharing a video declaring support for now-banned pressure group Palestine Action. Additionally, a 2023 documentary by former BBC Panorama reporter John Ware accused Waters of making antisemitic remarks during concerts.

WATERS' RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS

In response to the allegations, Waters has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling them "wildly inaccurate" and "incendiary." His team has maintained that he is committed to using his platform to raise awareness about social justice issues and human rights abuses in Palestine.

As for Cabral, it appears that his claims have been thoroughly debunked by the court. With a heavy heart, he now faces the prospect of leaving the family home – a place where he had built strong ties with John and the Waters' family. When asked if he would pay the £57,820 bill, Cabral replied: "I just want this to be finished."