NZ-based singer claims part of Crowded House drummer's estate

Paul Hester

A New Zealand-based singer has brought legal action claiming more than one-third of the estate of the former Crowded House drummer Paul Hester, the Sydney Morning Herald reported today.

Kashan Devi Vincent, 26, said in a Supreme Court affidavit that she had terminated a pregnancy during her 32-month relationship with Hester, and had planned to marry him in 2005 or 2006.

Describing herself as Hester's fiancee, Ms Vincent has sought $100,000, possessions belonging to him, and a third of his net estate, alongside shares to be given to his daughters aged six and 11.

Her affidavit says Hester, 46, was estimated by the estate's administrator to have left behind net assets of $872,699 when he committed suicide in March last year.

It said he died without making a will.

Ms Vincent, now a fruit-picker in New Zealand, disputes that figure. She said Hester's Elwood home sold early this year for about $1.24 million, less agent's fees of $56,795.

Hester also had valuable musical instruments used in his Crowded House days, special albums recognising the band's sales, paintings by musician and artist Reg Mombassa, Danish antiques, a flat-screen plasma television and a CD collection, the document said.

A directions hearing is scheduled for August 29.

Hester lived in Elwood, Melbourne, with his girlfriend, photographer Mardi Somerfeld, and their two daughters.

- NZPA