Ex-wife Maureen lifts the lid on superstar

RINGO CAPP!

"He's a sodding great Andy Capp"-- says ex-wife Maureen --

Maureen Starkey likened the Fab Four's drummer to the Mirror's boozy, womanising cartoon hero when Ringo was seeking a divorce, the High Court heard yesterday.

But despite the star's adultery with an American model, Maureen, who described herself as "thick as two short planks," still loved her Scouse husband and didn't want to leave him.

Maureen's down-to-earth opinion - worthy of Andy's harassed wife, Flo - was revealed as she sought damages from the London solicitors who negotiated her cash settlement.

The deal clinched a one-off payment of £125,000. But 40-year-old Maureen says Ringo's financial affairs, and the order to provide for her, were never properly investigated.

Millionaire

Maureen, a former trainee hairdresser, married Ringo at the height of Beatlemania in 1965 when she was only 18. She has never worked since, the court heard.

The millionaire star gave her money - often £5,000 at a time - "as and when" it was needed and she lived a "lavish lifestyle."

But Maureen was "nervous and immature" and couldn't handle cash, said her counsel.

In 1974 Ringo, who was having an affair with model Nancy Andrews, persuaded her to see solicitors about a divorce.

Money

Maureen contacted solicitor Charles Doughty from the London firm of Withers.

But Mr. Doughty "knew full well that she had no understanding whatsoever of financial affairs."

One note said to have been taken by Mr. Doughty said Maureen told him she had no knowledge of "money, taxation or life."

In another she described herself as "thick as two short planks."

And in a third she said she thought Ringo was a "sodding great Andy Cap," but she adored him.

Mr. Doughty wrote at the time of the divorce: "Mrs. Starkey has made it clear she doesn't want a divorce.

"She is fond of her husband and would like nothing more than to make a go of it."

Maureen, who had two sons and a daughter by Ringo, was in court to hear of her difficulties in handling cash.

She claims Withers failed to tell her that the settlement was a one-off, and that she didn't have to start divorce proceddings or leave her home.

Withers deny negligence and breach of contract.

The case continues.