In a High Court ruling, Iya Patarkatsishvili and Yevhen Hunyak successfully sued their vendor, William Woodward-Fisher, after discovering a severe moth infestation in their £32.5 million mansion. The judge found that Woodward-Fisher had made fraudulent misrepresentations, failing to disclose the infestation in pre-contract documents. The couple discovered moths in household items, leading to ruined belongings. They were awarded substantial damages, including costs incurred from eradicating the infestation, and received a partial refund of the purchase price, reflecting the judge’s decision regarding the time they lived in the home.
Mr Woodward-Fisher made 'fraudulent misrepresentations' when he claimed he did not know of any vermin infestation or of any hidden defect in the property, the hearing was told.
Ms Patarkatsishvili and Dr Hunyak found moths in wine glasses, on toothbrushes and in their clothes, some of which were ruined and had to be thrown away, after purchasing the mansion.
Mr Justice Fancourt ruled that the couple should receive a repayment for some of the 32.5m they paid when purchasing the property, less an amount to account for their time living there.
There was a 'serious' moth infestation in the insulation, which had been detailed in at least two pest control reports prior to the sale.
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