A
cheating Zimbabwean Nurse was ordered to repay ex-boyfriend £116,000
following an alleged affair with another man.37-year-old Trish Garikayi
who is based in the UK admitted that she was given a Porsche 911 and a
£100,000 diamond bracelet by love-struck businessman Wisdom Penfold, 58.
Despite showering her gifts and money, the jilted man claimed he caught
her having an affair with another man.The court heard £218,000 had been
paid into Garikayi's account after Mr Penfold sold two investment
properties.Insisting the money was a gift, she said that, throughout the
relationship, "if I wanted something, I would get it"."As far as the
discussion I had with Wisdom, they were gifts to me."We were in love,
the relationship was strong at that point. So there was no need for me
to question or query."
Her
lawyer, Chike Ezike, added: "The nature of the relationship was one
where Mr Penfold bestowed and showered Miss Garikayi with lavish
gifts."It was also alleged that Garikayi spent some of the cash on
herself and £91,000 to buy a property in Harare, Zimbabwe, without his
permission.Mr. Penfold was left with no option than taking the matter to
court, where a judge ruled that she "misappropriated" money Mr. Penfold
entrusted to her when blinded by love.The judge then ordered her to pay
£116,000 to her ex-boyfriend also hand him 20% of her £340,000
home.After the judge gave the verdict, Ms.Garikayi hurled her £2,500
engagement ring towards her ex-fiance, who then calmly picked it up and
handed it to his solicitor.
Judge
Alexander Hill-Smith said she had her "eyes firmly on winning the
case"."I unhesitatingly prefer the evidence of Mr Penfold... he gave his
evidence in a careful way."I find his account of the break-up of the
relationship, his returning to the house, his reaction to it, going to
A&E and being badly affected, compelling."Her account of the
breakdown of the relationship was very unspecific."His written statement
is thorough and comprehensive and presents a coherent account of what
occurred."The Central County Court in London heard how Garikayi earlier
claimed to be a "kept woman" and insisted that the money, like the
luxury goods he lavished upon her, was a non-returnable gift.Lawyers of
Mr. Penfold, who is a tree importer, and exporter, say they will be
seeking £62,000 in costs against Miss Garikayi, and the judge ordered
her to pay £30,000 of that within 21 days.
