FORMER Beatle Paul McCartney has been ordered to pay his estranged wife Heather Mills $52.3 million after an acrimonious divorce battle.
McCartney, 65, married the former model and charity campaigner Mills, 40, in 2002 but they split four years later, blaming media intrusion into their private lives.
They have a daughter, Beatrice, aged four.
Speaking outside the court, Mills said the singer-songwriter had offered her $34 million but the judge made the award after estimating his fortune to be about $861 million.
McCartney`s riches have previously been estimated at about $1.78 billion.
Mills criticised McCartney`s lawyer, accusing her of handling the case badly and of calling her names.
"I am so glad it is over," she said. "We are very, very pleased."
The split was fought out under a remorseless media spotlight with McCartney, a founder of the world`s most famous pop group, pitted against the outspoken Mills, target of lurid tales in the press about her colourful past.
She hit back, saying she had been driven to the brink of suicide because the media had branded her a "whore" and a "gold-digger."
Mills said she was appealing the publication of the judgment in full, as she`s worried about the safety of Beatrice. She could be back in court as early as tomorrow morning to mount that legal challenge.
"I wanted to keep the judgement private. Paul has just said he wants it public, that`s the only reason I`m talking. He`s always wanted it public because he wants to look like he`s this generous Sir Paul.``
When asked whether 65-year-old Paul had been cruel, she replied: "I can`t say that for the sake of my daughter, but my sister does.
"I just want to thank everybody, especially my sister Fiona, for being so supportive for me."
Charity campaigner Heather also admitted she was "glad" the divorce is over and insisted "it was an incredible result to secure mine and my daughter`s future".
As part of the deal, she will receive £14 million for herself and £2.5 million to buy a house in London. Heather was also awarded assets of £7.8 million.
The settlement will also see Paul cover Beatrice`s nanny and school fees and pay his daughter £35,000 a year.
A spokesman for Paul said the singer would not be commenting on the settlement.
With AFP, Reuters, BANG Showbiz
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