Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Lord Lucan: Death certificate granted by High Court judge to missing peer's only son George Bingham

The British aristocrat went missing in 1974

Victoria Richards
Wednesday 03 February 2016 12:17 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The death certificate for missing peer Lord Lucan has been issued to his only son, George Bingham, by the High Court.

The move allows Mr Bingham to become the 8th Earl Lucan, inheriting the title from his father, who vanished 42 years ago after being suspected of murder.

He said after the court judgement that he was "very happy".

"It has been a very long time coming," Mr Bingham said outside court on Wednesday, Sky News reports.

Sandra Rivett, the nanny for the British aristocrat's three children, was found dead at the family home in Lower Belgrade Street, central London, on 7 November 1974.

It was decided in an inquest that Lord Lucan had killed her after mistaking her for his estranged wife, Countess Lucan, with whom he was embroiled in a custody battle. Lady Lucan was also attacked and badly beaten.

Lord Lucan was last seen at a friend's house in Uckfield, East Sussex. His car was found later abandoned and blood-filled in Newhaven 20 miles away, but a body was never found.

The High Court declared Lord Lucan dead in 1999, so his will could be activated - but the law at the time did not allow the issue of a death certificate.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in