Made In Chelsea Star's Inheritance Battle Ends in High Court Defeat
Lonan O'Herlihy, a reality television personality from Made In Chelsea, has been unsuccessful in his High Court attempt to secure a portion of his stepfather's substantial £38.5 million fortune. The 36-year-old, often referred to as 'Posh PT', initiated legal proceedings against Jennifer Taylor, the widow of property magnate Hugh Taylor, after receiving nothing from the estate.
Judge Dismisses Case as Too Late and Without Merit
Deputy Master William Henderson dismissed the claim, stating that O'Herlihy had 'no real prospect of success' and was more than four years beyond the legal deadline for challenging the will. The judge emphasized that the reality star failed to demonstrate any ongoing obligations from Mr. Taylor at the time of his death in June 2019.
Claims of Father Figure Support and Luxury Lifestyle
During the proceedings, O'Herlihy argued that Hugh Taylor, who was in a relationship with his mother Pamela from 1995 to 2004, acted as a father figure. He detailed financial support including private school fees at Malvern College, Oxford, university education at Oxford Brookes University, and gifts such as a £5,000 watch for his 18th birthday, a Florida holiday for ten friends, and an Audi worth approximately £45,000 for his 21st birthday.
O'Herlihy further claimed that Mr. Taylor funded trips to Australia, New York, and St. Lucia to assist with his property career aspirations. However, the 2015 will left the entire estate, comprising high-end properties, classic cars, and a World War II Hawker Hurricane aircraft, largely to Jennifer Taylor.
Financial Hardship and Aggressive Legal Tactics Alleged
The court heard dramatic testimony regarding O'Herlihy's current financial situation. His barrister, Hugh Jeffery, described him as being in a precarious position, with no savings, significant debts, and homelessness since March, relying on friends for accommodation. Jeffery attributed part of this to the 'extraordinarily aggressive approach' by Jennifer Taylor's legal team, which allegedly led to the end of his long-term relationship.
O'Herlihy owed his former partner Millie £28,994 for litigation and living expenses, contrasting with his 'highly curated' social media presence that depicted a carefree lifestyle.
Defence Labels Claim as Opportunistic
Lawyers for Jennifer Taylor, led by Richard Wilson KC, denounced the claim as opportunistic. They rejected O'Herlihy's assertion of being treated as a child of the family, highlighting that he had received no financial support from Mr. Taylor for years prior to his death.
Wilson presented a list of luxury items O'Herlihy allegedly sought from the estate, including:
- A £3 million property in Queen's Gate Place, South Kensington
- A 1969-70 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda valued at £250,000
- A Patek Philippe watch
- A Melehior d'Hondecoeter painting
- £800,000 for an investment property
Wilson remarked, 'It would send a shiver down the spine of any wealthy parent.'
Evidence of Strained Relationship and Personal Trauma
A 2012 email from Hugh Taylor to Pamela O'Herlihy was disclosed in court, stating, 'Neither Rogan nor Lonan have a legal relationship with me... It behooves you to explain to them that I am going to stop the facility.' This indicated a cessation of financial support.
O'Herlihy testified that the end of the relationship with his 'only father figure' caused significant personal trauma. His legal team accused Jennifer Taylor of isolating her husband from him, alleging secret meetings and claims that she once screamed the fortune 'was all for her girls now.'
Judge's Final Ruling and Implications
Deputy Master Henderson concluded that O'Herlihy could support himself through his personal training income post-2012, when his relationship with Mr. Taylor ended. The judge also rejected the notion that he deserved inheritance due to expected involvement in the property empire.
By refusing to extend the six-month deadline for challenging the will, the ruling underscores the legal hurdles in inheritance disputes, particularly when claims are deemed untimely and without substantive merit.
