A technology specialist has been sentenced to 28 days in jail following a series of threatening messages directed at lawyers representing the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in a dispute over a late relative’s will. Sean Stimson, 48, became involved in a contentious dispute after his aunt, Helen Smith, passed away in 2021 and left her estate, valued at around £200,000, primarily to animal welfare charities including the RSPCA.

The disagreement centered on Smith’s Swindon property, which comprised the majority of her estate. Stimson asserted that Smith had intended for the home to remain within the family. However, under the terms of a 2016 will, ownership of the house was bequeathed to the RSPCA. Stimson, who said he was close to his aunt, has continued to challenge the validity of the will.

During proceedings, Mr Justice Griffiths heard that Stimson had sent a series of abusive emails and letters to Foot Anstey, the law firm acting on behalf of the RSPCA. The firm, established in 1903 by the father of former Labour leader Michael Foot, received communications from Stimson containing offensive language and threats of violence. Among the insults were derogatory terms directed at staff, along with explicit threats to “beat the shit” out of them if the property was not handed over.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Stimson was ordered to cover £35,000 in legal costs associated with the case. The judge’s ruling emphasized the unacceptable nature of Stimson’s conduct despite the ongoing legal challenges related to the will.

The case highlights the complexities and emotional strain often involved in disputes over inheritance, especially when substantial charitable bequests are at stake. Stimson’s continuing contestation of the will’s terms remains unresolved, but the court made clear that abusive and threatening behavior would not be tolerated.