The Celebrity Truth

The judge that presided over Heather Mills’ divorce from Sir Paul McCartney has blasted the former Mrs McCartney, labelling her “less than impressive” and “devoid of reality”.

Mills was yesterday awarded a hefty settlement of US$50million for divorcing McCartney, after a four-year marriage.

Presiding Judge, Justice Bennett, released his judgement today, in which he suggested that Mills had a warped perception of reality.

"The wife, for her part, must have felt rather swept off her feet by a man as famous as the husband. I think this may well have warped her perception leading her to indulge in make-belief. The objective facts simply do not support her case," he said.

Justice Bennett also described Mills as "a less than impressive witness", saying, "I am driven to the conclusion that much of her evidence, both written and oral, was not just inconsistent and inaccurate, but also less than candid."

The judgement also includes details on the full demands made by Mills, which included an annual claim of £39,000 (US$78,300) to buy wine. Alongside this claim the judge noted: "She does not drink alcohol."

Mills’s full claim, according to the judgement, included provisions for:

• seven fully-staffed properties at an annual cost of £645,000 (US$1.3million)
• £499,000 (US$1million) per year for holidays, including private and helicopter flights of £185,000 (US$371,000)
• £125,000 (US$251,000) per year for clothing allowances; £30,000 (US$60,000) annually for equestrian activities (she reportedly no longer rides)
• £39,000 annual wine allowance (US$78,300)
• £43,000 per year for a driver (US$86,000)
• £20,000 per year for a carer (US$40,000
• £190,000 annually for professional fees (US$381,000)

Justice Bennett rubbished Mills’s claims that she had a personal wealth of £3million (US$6million) prior to the marriage, describing this as "wholly exaggerated".

"I have to say I cannot accept the wife’s case that she was wealthy and independent by the time she met the husband in the middle of 1999. Her problem stems from the lack of any documentary evidence to support her case as to the level of her earnings," he said.

"In her final submissions the wife described her contribution (to the marriage) as "exceptional". I reject her case. I am afraid I have to say her case on this issue is devoid of reality. I have to say that the wife’s evidence that in some way she was the husband’s ‘psychologist’, even allowing for hyperbole, is typical of her make-belief."

While describing Mills as an "explosive and volatile", Justice Bennett complimented Mills on the strength of her character.

"The wife is a strong willed and determined personality. She has shown great fortitude in the face of, and overcoming, her disability."

Next: Oscar Winner Anthony Minghella Dies Aged 54

Photo courtesy of ABC.

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