A National Lottery scratchcard winner who ended her relationship after winning £1 million is now facing a lawsuit from her ex-boyfriend for £500,000. Charlotte Cox, 39, parted ways with Michael Cartlidge, 41, just weeks after they purchased the winning ticket together.
Legal Action Over Winnings
After Cox decided to keep the entire jackpot for herself, Cartlidge has initiated legal proceedings, claiming he is entitled to half of the prize money. A source close to the situation told The Sun newspaper: “Charlotte is worried now that she’s spent a lot of the money, she could end up with a hefty legal bill and have to pay out to Michael. But on the other hand, she was awarded the money, so it’s been hers to spend how she wants.”
Shortly after Cox ended their three-month relationship, Cartlidge expressed his shock to The Sun, stating that while the ticket would not have been purchased without Cox, she would not have obtained it without him either. He argued that although Cox's bank account paid for the ticket, it should be split 50-50 morally.
Mixed Reactions from Those Involved
The shop assistant who sold the scratchcard commented: “I’m on no one’s side. I like them both. But I honestly believe that the money should be both of theirs. How can you live with yourself after robbing half a million? I know I couldn’t.”
Sources close to Cox, however, insisted that Cartlidge has “no right” to the money since she ultimately paid for the ticket. One person close to Cox remarked: “One million pounds has never brought so much misery. It’s ruined the last three months for her and her family.” Another source added: “You can’t believe a word that man says. This has ruined the last three months for her and her family. All over Christmas it has caused nothing but upset. Mike has no right to this money. He is not a nice person. Charlotte won, she paid for the ticket and she scratched the ticket. The case is closed.”
Details of the Winning Ticket
The winning scratchcard was purchased in November at the Nisa brand Kehla’s Late Shopper on Holbeach Road in Spalding. Shop owner Ranjit Khela said: “It was a great moment when we found out a £1m ticket had been bought from the shop. We didn’t know until a few days after it had been bought. It’s the biggest win in the shop by far.”
Allwyn, which recently took over operating the National Lottery from Camelot, told The Sun that “only one person can be the owner of a ticket and only the person whose name and address is written on the back of a winning scratchcard can claim a prize.”
