Man, 76: Mom of girlfriend, 25, approves

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LONDON, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- A 76-year-old British lawyer who left his 55-year-old girlfriend, a judge, for a paralegal who is 25 says he has the blessing of the young woman's mother.

Anthony Arlidge of London said he met Heather Lockwood last September and they quickly fell in love, causing him to end his relationship with Judge Constance Briscoe and move out of her $1.5 million home to get an apartment with Lockwood, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

Arlidge said he and Lockwood are "very happy" together.

"I've met her mother and she says if her daughter is happy then so is she," he said.

Briscoe described the situation as "ridiculous."

"I was shocked and upset but have not fallen out," she said. "They're both very intelligent people but I think it's bonkers."

"Tony is too old for a midlife crisis. It is hilarious. I don't know what she wants or what she is trying to do but good luck to them," Briscoe said.