Chase the Ace court battle between aunt and nephew ends in settlement

A Nova Scotia court battle between an aunt and her nephew over a $1.2-million Chase the Ace jackpotwas settled Monday following a five-hour meeting.

Barb Reddicksued nephew Tyrone MacInnisfor $611,319 after he claimed half the prize from the July lottery, which wasa fundraiser for two fire departments inMargareeForks, N.S.

Reddick paid for the ticket but asked MacInnis to buy itfor her. She said she asked him to put his name on the ticket for good luck, but said they never had an agreement to split the jackpot.

Following a meeting with a judge Monday in Port Hawkesbury, N.S., lawyers for the pair said it was agreed that MacInnis will receive $350,000. Reddickwill receive the remainder of the amount in dispute, $261,319, and will retain the other $611,319 she already has.

Adam Rodgers, who representedReddick, andCandeeMcCarthy, who representedMacInnis, read a joint statement saying the settlement was mutual and their clients are satisfied.

"Both parties are looking forward to putting this matter behind them and there will be no further media comments," McCarthy said.

Reddick andMacInnisdeclined to comment.

At the end of August, a Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice imposed an interim order thatMacInnis wasn't allowed to spend any of the money until the court case was resolved.

Photo op went sour

Because there were two names on the winning ticket, the chair of theMargareeForks Chase the Ace committee had written twochequesfor half the jackpot after checking with the province's alcohol and gaming division.

Following a photo op in July whereReddickand MacInnisposed with a cheque for the full amount,Reddickpointed at her nephewand said: "See you in court."

She told people gathered at the eventthat MacInnis was like a son to her, but she had no intention of splitting her winnings with him.

In Chase the Ace,people buy tickets as they would in a 50-50 draw. If their ticket is drawn, they receive a percentage of the sales. If they draw the lucky ace of spades, they win the jackpot.

Read more articles at CBC Nova Scotia

With files from Wendy Martin