John William Mason & Anor v Probate Specialist Ltd & Anor

John William Mason & Anor v Probate Specialist Ltd & Anor

Mr Jameson, as sole director and controlling mind of PSL, intentionally and without adequate excuse failed to comply with the asset freezing order by not disclosing the whereabouts of estate assets and not providing supporting documents. His breach was serious, deliberate, and not purged by subsequent actions. A custodial sentence of one year is appropriate and not to be suspended.

Parties
Claimant: The Estate of the Late Thomas George Heritage Mason by his Executors John William Mason and Julie Mills; Defendant: Probate Specialist Ltd; Defendant: Stephen Jameson
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
03 November 2026
Procedural Posture
Civil Contempt (committal) Application / Judgment After Finding of Contempt and Sentencing
Outcome
Mr Jameson found in contempt of court and sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, not suspended.
Legal Topics
Breach of Court Order, Asset Disclosure, Committal for Contempt
Civil Procedure Probate Contempt of Court Breach of Court Order Asset Disclosure Committal for Contempt

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Parties

The Estate of the Late Thomas George Heritage Mason by his Executors John William Mason and Julie Mills

Claimant

Probate Specialist Ltd

Defendant

Stephen Jameson

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Contempt (committal) Application / Judgment After Finding of Contempt and Sentencing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Mr Jameson breached the proprietary asset freezing order of 15th December 2025 by failing to disclose the whereabouts of estate assets and serve an affidavit with supporting documents
  2. 2 Whether the breach was intentional and contumelious
  3. 3 Appropriate sentence for contempt

Ratio Decidendi

Mr Jameson, as sole director and controlling mind of PSL, intentionally and without adequate excuse failed to comply with the asset freezing order by not disclosing the whereabouts of estate assets and not providing supporting documents. His breach was serious, deliberate, and not purged by subsequent actions. A custodial sentence of one year is appropriate and not to be suspended.

Court Disposition

Mr Jameson found in contempt of court and sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, not suspended.

Orders

  • Mr Jameson to provide by 1st May 2026 details and documents showing what happened to the estate monies.
  • Mr Jameson may apply to purge his contempt upon compliance.