A daughter cut out of her father’s £1.4 million will has won a £125,000 payout following a court ruling. Jenna Howe, 37, was disinherited by her father, Roger Howe, three years before he died in March 2020. Mr. Howe, a renowned figure in the pirate radio industry, left his fortune primarily to his mother, sister, and two nephews. He claimed that Jenna was “lazy, grabbing, and bad to my parents” and felt “jubilation” at ensuring she would not inherit any part of his estate. Jenna argued in court that her father’s neglect and cruel treatment during her childhood ruined her life.
The court heard that Mr. Howe had a “toxic” relationship with Jenna, often belittling her, calling her names, and taunting her about her weight, which led her to develop bulimia and body dysmorphia.
Court rules in favor of daughter
Despite their estrangement in her adulthood, Jenna launched a claim for “reasonable provision” from her father’s estate, asserting that she deserved a share to help turn her life around. After two days of hearings, Judge Mark Raeside ruled that Jenna should receive £125,000. This includes a weekly maintenance payment of £75 for the next ten years and funds for clearing debts and replacing her breast implants, which she argued were necessary for her mental health.
Judge Raeside acknowledged Jenna’s traumatic childhood and her subsequent body dysmorphia, citing her need for financial stability and improved health. He described her financial situation as “precarious” and noted that her mental conditions made regular work almost impossible, justifying the need for the maintenance payment. Roger Howe, a technical genius, started his career early by building his first transistor radio at the age of eight and creating complex AM and FM transmitters by 15.
He was a key player in the London pirate radio scene, substantially contributing to the industry. In court, Jenna relived how her life spiraled out of control due to drug use, and her father’s lack of support only exacerbated her struggles. The judge concluded that the payout would support Jenna’s efforts to improve her life and grant her the dignity and stability she deserved despite her father’s harsh treatment.