UK coroner concludes New Zealand fraudster Donald McPherson murdered wife Paula Leeson despite not guilty verdict
A UK coroner has formally concluded that Donald McPherson murdered his wife, Paula Leeson, in 2017, despite a previous criminal trial resulting in a not guilty verdict. The coroner cited financial motive and evidence of physical assault as the basis for the ruling of unlawful killing.
Why it matters
This case highlights the rare discrepancy between criminal court outcomes and coronial inquest findings, raising questions about justice for victims in complex international cases.
A convicted New Zealand fraudster previously cleared over the murder of his wealthy wife did in fact kill her, a UK coroner has concluded.
Donald McPherson, born Alexander James Lang in Auckland, was accused of murdering his 47-year-old wife, Paula Leeson, in June 2017 while holidaying in Denmark.
Leeson’s family, who own and operate a successful plant hire business, alleged he killed her as part of a life insurance plot in which McPherson stood to gain £3.5 million ($8m).
A criminal trial took place at the Manchester Crown Court in 2021, one year after he was charged, but McPherson was formally cleared of murdering Leeson after the judge ruled there was “insufficient” evidence for the jury to convict.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in