Son Secretly Sells Late Father’s House, Denying Sister Her Share

Andrew Logan, 56, was jailed for four years at Preston Crown Court. He was convicted after selling a family home meant to be divided between siblings.

Background of the dispute

John Logan died in March 2020. His son Andrew was named executor of the will.

Concerns emerged in 2021 when the deceased’s sister complained he was not carrying out executor duties. The dispute centered on a property on Manchester Street.

Sale of the property

Andrew began the sale process after he had already been removed as executor in October 2021. Prosecutors say he completed the sale in November 2021.

The house went to a third party for about £55,000. He allegedly acted as sole beneficiary and did not pass on half of the proceeds to his sister.

Allegations and charges

• Two counts of fraud and one count of theft were brought against him.
• He first pleaded not guilty at a magistrates’ hearing in 2025.
• On February 20 this year, he changed his plea to guilty after a reported change of conscience.

Court proceedings and character evidence

Prosecutor Peter Wilson outlined how the sale proceeded despite his removal as executor. The court heard the sister had expected an equal share of the sale proceeds.

Defence counsel James Heyworth told the court his client felt remorse. He said the defendant had sought to atone since being remanded.

While in custody, the court was told Andrew had helped young offenders and assisted with waste management tasks. Heyworth described the remorse as genuine.

Sentence and next steps

His Honour Judge Ian Unsworth KC described the case as an abuse of trust. He noted the emotional impact on the victim.

The judge acknowledged older convictions in Andrew’s past. He said those convictions were many years old and did not involve recent fraud.

Judge Unsworth imposed a four-year prison term. Further financial reparations will be determined at a hearing in July.

Local details

Andrew Logan is recorded as living on School Street in Barrow. The Manchester Street property was central to the estate dispute.

Prosecutors framed the matter as a case where a son secretly sold his late father’s house, denying his sister her share. The court will rule on compensation this July.