A former couple battling in the courts over a £3 million National Lottery jackpot win agreed today to settle their case.
Maureen Todd, 55, from Chandler's Ford, accused 53-year Desmond Congdon of running off with the winnings after breaking off their engagement.
She demanded half the original total, leaving him with just £250,000 after what she said were ''extravagances'' in a worldwide gambling spree.
However, Mrs Todd left the court today saying nothing.
When Mr Congdon was asked whether he would be drinking a glass of champagne this afternoon, he replied: ''Absolutely.'' The judge who heard the case, which began on Wednesday, said he was ''delighted'' that the case had come to a close.
He had been told by Bernard Weatherill QC, representing Mrs Todd, that the parties had agreed confidential terms.
Philip Cayford QC, representing Mr Congdon, told the judge: ''Mr Congdon is very happy the matter has settled.'' The judge, who does not have to agree to the settlement terms, did not look at the figures agreed by the former couple.
At the hearing on Wednesday, Mr Justice Kitchin had heard that before the win in 2004, Mr Congdon had moved into Mrs Todd's home in Melksham, Wiltshire and promised to marry her.
Mr Congdon bought the winning ticket from a Tesco store in Southampton while they were out shopping together in 2004.
They bought a house together in Chandler's Ford, where Mrs Todd still lives.
But 15 months later, Mr Congdon, who lives in Maida Vale, north London, broke off their engagement despite the couple having spent £20,000 on a wedding planned for the following August.
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