Life is too short... judge tells dad and son to end 10-year feud about tractors
The vintage collection was eventually sold off by the son, with proceeds going to the father. But one of the sales in 2013 sparked a dispute that brought the two men before Darlington County Court this week.
The father won a claim he had not been fully paid, with his son ordered to pay £750 plus £604.28 costs and fees to his father.
Following a heated hearing Judge Michael Coulthard said: “Life is just too short for this sort of thing – it is terrible.
“This is a single child family and I hope, despite everything, that a line can be drawn under it all as it has got out of hand. I would like to think the situation is not completely irreparable.
“I am a born optimist and if it is possible for the parties to find some degree of closure from this, I’d strongly suggest they do so.”
Mr Lowther Snr, who throughout the case insisted that he had trusted his son implicitly in the management of his affairs, offered him the opportunity to shake his hand at the end of the hearing.
But Mr Lowther Jnr declined his offer, saying, “Never”.
The father yesterday said: “We had a marvellous collection of tractors, between 70 and 80, and people would come in coachloads to visit them.
“The fact we fell out has caused considerable sadness and I don’t accept I’m the cause of it. Over the past few years he’s caused me a great deal of worry. The judge clearly wanted us to put things right, his words were kind, but things have progressed too far.”
Mr Lowther Jnr said: “It has been very upsetting. I’m not happy at all about what has happened, there’s nothing good about a family breakdown.”
Asked whether there was any prospect of a reconciliation he replied: “Absolutely not. This has all gone too far I’m afraid.” Left, Thomas Lowther on one of his beloved tractors at a show; and right, with his only child Royston. The two men have been in a bitter feud