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Why do you need such a big entourage, Heather? Macca is the star
Last updated at 08:13am on 14.02.08Friends of Sir Paul McCartney accused Heather Mills today of turning their multi-million pound divorce battle into a "big show" for the cameras.
A source close to Sir Paul claimed Ms Mills was using the court case to bolster her demands for round-the-clock security to be paid for by the former Beatle.
The source alleged Ms Mills's decision to arrive at court with a burly bodyguard and a driver - plus an entourage including her sister, personal trainer and make-up artist - was unnecessary.
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Day three: Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills arrive at the London's High Court this morning
It follows the online broadcast, on the day the trial started, of short film Hunting Heather - in which she speaks of fears for her life after months hounded by paparazzi.
This has added to a belief in the McCartney camp that Ms Mills is treating the divorce hearing at least in part as a publicity stunt.
The source said: "She turns up to court with security; he turns up without security and who is the more famous? It's weird isn't it? It's all a big show on her part."
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Show case: McCartney camp says Heather is courting publicity with sister, make-up artist and trainer in tow yesterday
The High Court hearing is set to last until at least the end of the week.
It will decide how much Ms Mills, 40, a former model turned charity campaigner, deserves of Sir Paul's fortune after four years of marriage.
Paper chase: boxes of files are wheeled in ahead of today's hearing
She split with her legal team late last year and owes about £1.5 million in unpaid bills.
She now has help from David Rosen, a litigator at a small north London firm. He is not allowed to address the judge or cross-examine witnesses.
In contrast, Sir Paul has put together one of the most expensive legal teams ever seen for a divorce hearing in Britain, led by Fiona Shackleton.
The hearing is being held behind closed doors. The details may never be made public, unless it goes to the Court of Appeal.
It is believed the first two days were taken up with Ms Mills' demands for a fair settlement, based on round-the-clock security demands and other spending needs, including medical treatment having lost a leg when hit by a police motorcycle.
Her previous legal advisors Mishcon de Reya had suggested £20 million would represent a decent settlement. Sir Paul will also have to provide for their daughter Beatrice, four. He offered as little as £5 million at one stage.
He will claim he is not nearly as wealthy as has been reported. A source described estimates of £825 million, based on the Sunday Times Rich List assessment, as "wide of the mark".
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Reader views (2)
How sad that - apart from her sister - Heather's nearest and dearest are her personal trainer and make up artist (both people in her employ). Didn't she make ANY friends in her life? It says it all, really.
- Marianne, SW France
"He offered as little as £5 million at one stage. " - Please, the woman was married to him for four years. Most people would consider 5 million pounds for four years worth of marriage an astonishingly generous settlement considering she contributed nothing to Sir Paul's wealth to start with.
Heather Mills represents the worst that society is becoming with people wanting something for nothing. Perhaps if she got a job and earned an honest wage maybe she would get a little more respect from people.
- Neil Griffiths, London
