PHOTO: FILE
Sydney Real Estate Agent Ordered to Repay $1.3 Million to Late Mother’s Estate
In a shocking turn of events, a Sydney real estate agent has been ordered to repay over $1.3 million to his late mother’s estate after a court found he “influenced” her to “gift” him substantial payments and buy him a $73,000 sports car while she was battling breast cancer.
Angelo La Selva, a Five Dock resident, faced his two sisters, Milvia and Melissa, in the NSW Supreme Court last week over significant sums of money withdrawn from their 82-year-old mother Silvana’s account between May 2022 and December 2022, during her chemotherapy treatment.
The court heard that the conflict began when Angelo, who had been living in Queensland since 2004, suddenly moved into their parents’ home in Five Dock in July 2021, just one month before their father Luciano passed away.
Silvana passed away in December 2022. Up until that point, Milvia had been the primary carer for both parents. In late 2021, Silvana’s breast cancer returned, but Angelo did not inform his sisters. Silvana was moved into an aged care home at Scalabrini Village in December, where neither sister could visit her due to being unvaccinated. She died on December 24, 2022.
The court revealed that two amounts, $200,000 and $975,000, were transferred from Silvana’s account to Angelo on May 10, 2022. Angelo claimed his mother wanted him to have the returned deposit for her aged care home once she died. He did not explain why he transferred the money immediately instead of waiting until her death.
Angelo posing for a photo for his LJ Hooker Earlwood profile. Picture: Facebook
Silvana passed away in December 2022. Picture: Supplied
Angelo also assisted Silvana in preparing a new will in November 2021, giving him access to her bank accounts. Milvia expressed concern in an email to the solicitor preparing the document, stating that Angelo had not kept his sisters informed about their mother’s health and had manipulated the situation to his advantage.
The court heard how Mr La Selva was living rent free at his parents home in Five Dock. Picture: Supplied
Mr La Selva worked across a number of real estate agencies over the course of his time in Sydney. Picture: Facebook
The court heard that Angelo made five more withdrawals between July and December 2022, transferring the funds to his bank account or his wife Yuka. One withdrawal in November 2022 saw Angelo transfer $73,000 from his mother’s account to buy a sports car.
He has since moved back to Queensland according to his social media. Picture: Instagram
NSW Supreme Court Justice Ian Pike ordered Angelo to repay $1.293 million plus interest to his mother’s estate, calling his actions a “product of unconscionable conduct.” Justice Pike highlighted that Angelo’s procurement and retention of substantial gifts from his mother were against good conscience and equity.
He is required to pay back the sum plus interest. Picture: Instagram
According to his social media profiles, Angelo La Selva worked at both Raine and Horne and LJ Hooker during his time in Sydney. He has since moved back to Queensland.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU