A DISPUTE between convicted killer Eamonn Lillis and the family of his late wife, Celine Cawley, over properties they jointly owned has been again adjourned at the High Court.
In proceedings adjourned to June 27th yesterday by a High Court registrar on consent of both sides, Ms Cawley’s family is seeking court orders to prevent Lillis securing any interest in certain properties, including the family home in Howth, worth an estimated €1.5 million, an apartment in Sutton, Dublin, and a holiday home in France.
Lillis (53) is serving a sentence of six years and 11 months for the manslaughter of his wife whom he killed with a brick at their home in Howth, Co Dublin, in December 2008.
Ms Cawley’s sister, Susanna, and brother Christopher, who are joint administrators of the estate, are seeking orders providing that properties owned by the couple should transfer to their only child, who recently turned 18.
In her will, Ms Cawley left a legacy of more than €1 million to be inherited by their daughter. Lillis is entitled to €353,508 following the liquidation of the TV production firm, Toytown Films Ltd, which was founded by Ms Cawley. Toytown was placed in voluntary liquidation three months after her death and had a balance of €707,016 when creditors were paid off. As a joint shareholder, Lillis was entitled to half that sum with the remainder going to her estate.
Lillis is legally prevented from inheriting any of his wife’s assets because he was convicted of killing her but he says he is entitled to half of the properties they jointly owned. He has also complained his privacy will be invaded as a result of the legal action being taken by the Cawleys.