Kings Lynn, Norfolk – A Chinese lawyer is facing accusations of taking advantage of her late husband after marrying him just 11 months before his death. Guixiang Qin, 54, married wealthy retired butcher Robert Harrington in June 2019, less than a year before he passed away. The court heard that they had met after Harrington placed an advert in a newspaper offering a free Christmas dinner in exchange for company. Now, his daughter, Jill Langley, is suing her stepmother, alleging that she took all of Harrington’s money and did not fulfill his burial wishes.
According to Langley, her father changed his will two months before his death, cutting her out and leaving his estate, valued at around £1 million, to Qin. However, Qin denies these allegations, stating that she never asked for his money and loved him deeply. She explained that she came to the UK to study for a law MBA and had no need for cash. Qin and Harrington moved in together a month after meeting and got married shortly thereafter.
Langley’s barrister claims that bank statements reveal Qin virtually cleaned out Harrington’s bank account between October 2018 and May 2020. The barrister also suggests that Qin bought a shoddy grave for Harrington and did not properly maintain it. Qin denies these accusations, saying she paid £640 for the gravestone and followed Harrington’s wishes not to be extravagant. She argues that he loved her and did not marry her solely for financial gain.
During the trial, Qin shared details of their relationship, describing Harrington as generous, cute, humorous, and a gentleman. She emphasized their shared interests in singing, dancing, and watching TV. Qin asserted that Harrington gave her money, but she never asked for it. She claimed that he proposed to her multiple times and that his mind was clear when he made his will in May 2020, with the assistance of four solicitors.
The judge has reserved his decision in the case and will deliver it at a later date.