By Lucy Caulkett-
Caroline de Vechere, the ex-wife of American financier Eric Hersman, has been sentenced to three months in jail for contempt of court by failing to transfer ownership of a high-end ski chalet as ordered by the High Court.
The ruling by Mr Justice Moor puts the lid on a complex divorce litigation that spans over 20 years and involves valuable assets, including the “premium luxury” ski chalet in Courchevel, France.
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The judge imposed the sentence after Mr Hersman initiated contempt proceedings, arguing that de Vechere had repeatedly failed to comply with the court order to transfer ownership of Chalet Pearl.
The chalet, estimated to be worth around £15 million, has been at the center of a dispute that showcases the challenges and legal battles that can arise in high-stakes divorces.
Caroline de Vechere, 53, was not present at the public hearing held at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, and she was not represented by legal counsel.
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Mr Justice Moor, upon concluding that de Vechere is in contempt of court, issued an order that allows her arrest and imprisonment if she enters England or Wales. However, de Vechere has the opportunity to apply to “purge” her contempt.
The legal proceedings revealed that the divorce dispute between de Vechere and Mr Hersman had previously resulted in an order in 2019.
The order mandated Mr Hersman to pay de Vechere a lump sum of approximately £700,000, and, in return, de Vechere was obligated to transfer ownership of Chalet Pearl.
Barrister Tim Amos KC, leading Mr Hersman’s legal team, highlighted de Vechere’s repeated failure to transfer the chalet’s ownership, emphasizing that she had gone to great lengths to frustrate Mr Hersman’s position.
Amos also revealed that de Vechere had allegedly misappropriated over £1.5 million in rent between October 2021 and February 2023.
The urgency to resolve the matter before the upcoming ski season was made during the hearing, with Mr Hersman having lucrative clients interested in renting Chalet Pearl.
The judge expressed his satisfaction beyond reasonable doubt that de Vechere had breached the court order and was in contempt.
He emphasized the seriousness of contempt of the High Court, stating that an immediate sentence of imprisonment was the only appropriate action.
The sentence handed down means that de Vechere will serve half of the three-month term before becoming eligible for release on license. In the event of her arrest, a further hearing will be scheduled.
The legal saga between the ex-spouses also involves litigation in France, adding further complexity to the ongoing dispute.
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