In a significant legal victory, legendary Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters has successfully secured his late brother John’s million-pound estate, triumphing over a long-term tenant who asserted a claim as a beneficiary in a purported mystery will. The complex civil dispute centered on the substantial estate, primarily comprising the childhood home the Waters brothers shared in Cambridge, a city deeply intertwined with the band’s origins.

The legal proceedings began following the passing of John Waters in 2022. Soon after, Lokuliyanage Cabral, a tenant who had resided in the property since 2002 and paid a below-market rent, presented a letter. Cabral alleged this document evidenced a will made by the retired cab driver, John, naming him as a beneficiary, sparking a contentious inheritance battle.

However, thorough investigations conducted by legal representatives for Roger Waters found no trace of any such will. The absence of electronic or paper documentation suggesting John had drafted a will became a crucial point of contention throughout the trial, indicating the deceased likely died without formally distributing his assets.

During the Central County Court trial, Judge Nigel Gerald ultimately ruled that John Waters died intestate, meaning his assets, including the valuable Cambridge property, would legally pass to his younger brother, Roger. The judge vehemently dismissed Cabral’s presented letter, categorizing it as a “false claim” and asserting it was “simply intended to assert something which did not exist.”

Further penalizing Cabral for his lack of participation in the proceedings, Judge Gerald ordered him to cover Roger Waters’ substantial legal expenses, amounting to nearly £60,000. This ruling underscored the court’s strong disapproval of the tenant’s attempts to claim the inheritance, reinforcing the invalidity of his assertions.

Despite the court’s definitive ruling, Lokuliyanage Cabral maintained his position, claiming that John Waters had intended for him to remain in the home for as long as he desired after his death. This assertion was reportedly supported by a neighbor who described Cabral as a “lovely man” and his carer, adding another layer of personal complexity to the high-stakes legal drama involving the renowned musician.

In a notable development following the verdict, the court learned that Roger Waters, while now legally entitled to his brother’s entire estate, has decided to donate all assets apart from the childhood home to charity. This philanthropic gesture highlights a different facet of the artist, who has faced various public controversies in the past, including allegations of antisemitism, which he denies.