Winning the lottery is often seen as a dream come true, a life-altering event that promises financial freedom and happiness. But for Michael Cartlidge and Charlotte Cox, their $1.3 million (£1 million) lottery win quickly became a nightmare, sparking a heated dispute over who rightfully deserves the prize.
The former couple from Spalding, UK, initially celebrated their massive windfall together. However, their relationship, which had only lasted three months, ended just weeks after the win, leaving both parties embroiled in a bitter argument over the money.
A Dream Becomes a Disaster
Charlotte Cox, 37, was the one who purchased the winning scratch card using her own money. She also scratched off the ticket that revealed the life-changing jackpot. However, 39-year-old Michael Cartlidge claims he played a crucial role in the win, stating that the purchase was his idea and that he even attempted to reimburse Cox for the ticket.
The pair had purchased the ticket together during a visit to a local shop, a moment captured on CCTV. While Cox insists the money is rightfully hers, Cartlidge argues that their win was a shared effort and that the prize should be split evenly.
Conflicting Decisions from Lottery Authorities
Initially, Camelot, the company that managed the lottery at the time, reviewed the CCTV footage and reportedly agreed with Cartlidge’s claim that the winnings should be shared. However, a new lottery operator, Allwyn, later took over and ruled in favor of Cox, citing official lottery rules.
According to Allwyn, only the individual whose name and address are written on the back of a winning scratch card is eligible to claim the prize. As Cox had filled out this information, the lottery company awarded the money solely to her.
Michael Cartlidge Considers Legal Action
Feeling unjustly excluded from the winnings, Cartlidge has expressed his intention to take the matter to court.
“I am in shock,” Cartlidge admitted in an interview. “I can openly acknowledge that we wouldn’t have purchased that ticket without Charlotte, but she wouldn’t have bought it without me either. It should go 50-50 morally. I even showed her on my phone that I was trying to transfer the money for the card.”
He pointed to the CCTV footage as evidence of his involvement, claiming it shows him attempting to transfer the funds. However, under the strict rules of the National Lottery, this evidence is insufficient to grant him a share of the winnings.
Cox’s Perspective
Cox, a mother of one, remains firm in her stance that the money belongs entirely to her. She reportedly ended the relationship shortly after the win, and sources close to her have stated that the situation has caused immense stress.
“One million pounds has never brought so much misery,” a source close to Cox revealed. “It’s ruined the last three months for her and her family. Mike has no right to this money. Charlotte bought the ticket, paid for it, and scratched it. The case is closed.”
Official Lottery Rules
A spokesperson for the National Lottery confirmed the rules regarding scratch card winnings.
“The National Lottery Rules for Scratchcard Games make clear that only one person can be the owner of a ticket,” the spokesperson explained. “Only the person whose name and address is written on the back of a winning scratch card can claim a prize.”
The statement emphasized the importance of creating a legal agreement if multiple parties intend to share a prize, noting that disputes without such an agreement must be resolved privately.
A Fight Far from Over
As the dispute continues, the $1.3 million jackpot remains a point of contention between the former couple. While Cox has been declared the official winner, Cartlidge’s determination to pursue legal action suggests that the battle over the winnings is far from over.
What should have been a celebration of good fortune has turned into a cautionary tale about the complexities of shared lottery tickets and the importance of clear agreements in such situations.