COCKNEY BARD POET CHALLENGES FATHER'S £450,000 WILL IN COURT

Gary Pammen, a poet and author known as "The Cockney Bard", is challenging the validity of his late father's £450,000 will at Central London County Court. Terrance Pammen died in May 2022, leaving an estate valued at £451,840, the bulk of which comprised a house in Church Street, Stratford, east London. His 2016 will left the property and all remaining cash solely to his daughter Tracy Pammen and her daughter Paige Pammen. Gary, who has appeared on the BBC, Sky, and ITV, argues his father lacked the necessary testamentary capacity and did not know or approve the will's contents.

Gary, who is representing himself, told the court the will "completely disinherited" Terrance's children and grandchildren beyond "a few worthless chattels". Three other siblings — Mark, Jacqueline, and Gemma — were also excluded from any monetary inheritance, though none are parties to the litigation. Gary further noted the will made no provision for a grandson with Down's Syndrome, whom he described as much loved by Terrance. He also pointed out that his brother Mark, who lived with Terrance, was left facing the threat of homelessness following their father's death.

Tracy and Paige Pammen are defending the will, maintaining that Terrance was "totally sharp" when he drew it up and held firm views about how he wished to distribute his estate. Gary is asking Judge Simon Monty to declare the 2016 will invalid. The case is being heard at Central London County Court.