A MAN in sheltered housing is taking his “millionaire” brother to court over £14,000 left by their late father.

Patrick Sullivan, 73, of Ivor Brown Court, High Woods, Colchester, wants a share of the money, which all went to brother Colin, 69.

Patrick claims property developer Colin did not tell him their dad, also Patrick, had left any money when he died in 1997.

He only found out about the inheritance after a chance conversation with a relative more than a decade later.

Patrick has filed a civil case against his brother. The pair have not spoken in 25 years.

Patrick said: “I haven’t received a penny that my dad left.

“My brother is a multi-millionaire and I live in sheltered accommodation. That money is worth nothing to him.

“Colin has taken my inheritance. How many brothers do you hear of doing that? I only want what is fair to me.” Patrick, who did not talk to his dad following a fall-out, did not know he had died until months later when he spoke to a relative. He said: “I still don’t know where he is buried.

Patrick senior did not leave a will. Son Patrick assumed the estate would be split equally between the brothers.

Patrick has instructed solicitors and hopes to serve court papers on his brother and claim his inheritance by the end of the year.

He said: “My father left £18,000. After funeral costs, there was £14,000 and I was entitled to half. But Colin never tried to contact me to tell me dad had died or about the money.”

Patrick said if he was awarded money he would spend it on treating himself, family and friends.

Colin Sullivan has said in papers to Patrick’s solicitors he spent the money on their dad’s care costs and cleaning his house prior to his death.

The documents also show he approved the estate accounts, showing more than £14,000 left after the funeral.

Colin, of Hanover Place, Warley, Brentwood, refused to comment when contacted by the Gazette.