In May 2022, 83‑year‑old Terrance Pammen died in London, leaving an estate worth about £451,840 , larrgely to his daughter Tracy and granddaughter Paige. The will is now under dispute by his son Gary Pammen, the TV poet known as "The Cockney Bard", who claims his father lacked testamentary capacity when he signed the document in 2016.

£440,000 Stratford Home Bequeathed to One Daughter and Granddaughter

According to the source, the bulk of the estate—a £440,000 property in Stratford—was left almost entirely to Tracy Pammen and her daughter Paige. the remaining £11,840 was not mentioned, leaving Gary and his three siblings excluded.. The source notes the legal battle is taking place in the London County Court.

Gary Pammen Accuses Father of Dementia and Confusion

Gary alleges that Terrance suffered documented cognitive impairment and profound confusion about family relations and assets in the years surrounding the will’s creation. He also claims Tracy accessed his father’s bank accounts in his final years, an allegation she denies. The source reports Gary is seeking to invalidate the will on the grounds of lack of testamentary capacity.

Defender of the Will Highlights Evidence of Mental Sharpness

Representing Tracy, barrister Tom Gosling presented evidence that Terrance remained mentally sharp until after the will was drafted. He cited the father’s continued employment as a trolley assistant at Morrisons until June 2019, his independent financial management, and his ability to recall detailed family information. An expert psychiatrist also confirmed Terrance’s sound mind at the time of the will’s execution, noting that dementia was diagnosed only in 2020.

Key Uncertainties: When Did Cognitive Decline Begin?

The source highlights a dispute over the timing of Terrance’s cognitive decline. Gary argues that signs of memory failure appeared as early as 2017 or 2018, while Gosling maintains there were no such signs until after the will was signed. The judge, Mr. Justice Monty, must decide whether the will stands or should be declared invalid based on these conflicting accounts.

Family Rift Over Exclusion of a Grandson with Down’s Syndrome

Gary points out that the will does not provide for a grandson with Down’s Syndrome who was reportedly close to Terrance. This omission has added another layer of tension to the already strained family dynamics . the source indicates that the outcome will determine the distribution of the substantial family asset and address deep rifts that have emerged after the patriarch’s death .