Woman Refuses To Share Lottery With Partner After They Win Rs 10 Crore Prize Money
A windfall of 1 million pounds (approximately Rs 10.48 crore) from a lottery jackpot turned into a legal dispute for a British couple, Michael Cartlidge, 39, and Charlotte Cox, 37.
Cox, the declared winner, refused to share the winnings with her boyfriend, asserting that he had 'no right' to her money. Cartlidge argued that as he had paid for the scratchcard, the prize money should be evenly split between them.
Organisation declared Cox as the sole winner
The National Lottery organisation ultimately declared Cox as the sole winner of the Lotto scratchcard prize, highlighting the absence of a legal contract regarding the division of the winnings. This decision recognised Cox as the rightful recipient of the prize money.
Cartlidge disclosed that he had been living with Cox for three months when she purchased the lotto scratchcard in her name. However, Cartlidge claimed that he transferred the money for the purchase, stating, "She said she didn’t have the money to spend on scratchcards, but I said I’d transfer the money. We were in the shop, and I went on my Halifax app because I didn’t have my bank card."
Couple had plans of buying a house, car with prize money
After scratching the cards at home, the couple discovered matching numbers on one of them.With plans to invest the winnings in a house, bed, and car, Cartlidge was taken aback when Cox asked him to leave through a friend, taking the scratch card with him.
An investigation by Camelot UK Lotteries confirmed that Cartlidge had transferred the money for the scratchcard, supported by CCTV footage. However, Cox insisted to lottery officials that she had independently purchased the ticket, without any contribution from Cartlidge.
A friend of Cox expressed regret over her three months living with Cartlidge, considering it wasted time.
Lottery official Allwyn clarified that scratchcard game rules dictate only one person can own a ticket, and the prize is awarded solely to the individual whose name and address are registered on the back.
? ?
