Mills was less than candid - judge

The full judgment of the divorce battle between Miss Mills and estranged husband Paul McCartney was released after her attempt to appeal against Mr Justice Bennett's decision to release it failed at the Court of Appeal.

The judge described Sir Paul McCartney's evidence as "balanced".

Mr Justice Bennett said Heather Mills was a "strong-willed and determined personality" who had shown great fortitude in overcoming her disability.

He said: "She has conducted her own case before me with a steely, yet courteous, determination." The judge described her as a "kindly person" who is "devoted to her charitable causes".

Of Sir Paul, he said: "He expressed himself moderately though at times with justifiable irritation, if not anger. He was consistent, accurate and honest."

However, Mr Justice Bennett said: "But I regret to have to say I cannot say the same about the wife's evidence.

"Having watched and listened to her give evidence, having studied the documents, and having given in her favour every allowance for the enormous strain she must have been under (and in conducting her own case), I am driven to the conclusion that much of her evidence, both written and oral, was not just inconsistent and inaccurate but also less than candid. Overall she was a less than impressive witness."

The judge said he could not accept Miss Mills' case that she was wealthy and independent by the time she met the former Beatle in the middle of 1999.

"I find that the wife's case as to her wealth in 1999 to be wholly exaggerated. The assertion that she was a wealthy person in 1999 is, of course, the first step in her overall case that her career, which in 1999 she says was one producing rich financial rewards, was thereafter blighted by the husband during their relationship."