Ian Beale Lookalike Conman Swindles £400,000 from Lonely Grandmothers in Elaborate Romance Scams
A cunning con artist bearing an uncanny resemblance to EastEnders character Ian Beale has managed to evade police capture for nearly seven years after orchestrating a series of devastating romance frauds. John Eric Wells, dubbed the 'Casanova Conman,' is believed to have swindled three love-struck grandmothers out of a staggering £400,000 in total life savings.
Police Hunt for Fugitive with Multiple Aliases
South Yorkshire Police have confirmed that Wells remains a wanted man in connection with three high-value romance fraud cases spanning from 2014 onwards. The fugitive, believed to be in his sixties, has operated under various aliases including Howard Walmsley and Howard Hemmings while targeting vulnerable elderly women across multiple UK locations.
"Officers are still appealing for information about the whereabouts of wanted man John Eric Wells," stated a police spokesman. The investigation suggests Wells may have fled the country, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.
Heartbreaking Stories of Betrayal and Financial Ruin
The victims, residing in Doncaster, Sussex, and London, were systematically manipulated by Wells who swept them off their feet before disappearing with their money. One victim, Hazel Wilkins, courageously shared her story on national television in 2019, revealing how Wells met her online in 2014, gradually requested money throughout their relationship, and ultimately took out loans in her name before vanishing.
"He left her buried under a mountain of debt," investigators noted, describing the emotional and financial devastation experienced by all three grandmothers who had trusted the charming conman.
Criminal History of Fantasy and Fraud
Wells is no stranger to elaborate deception schemes. In 2001, he received a three-year prison sentence for faking an £8.9 million lottery win, a scam he later claimed was an attempt to save his marriage. During that earlier crime spree, he defrauded:
- Multiple banks
- A solicitor and architect
- An automobile company
- Two female friends
The total theft amounted to £53,000, and his story became the basis for the film Can't Buy Me Love, written by EastEnders screenwriter Tony Jordan and starring Martin Kemp.
Sentencing Wells at Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Jane Shipley delivered a scathing assessment: "You wanted to aspire to the high life and appear successful, but you seem to lack what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur." She described him as living in a "fantasy world" of his own creation.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Despite his striking resemblance to actor Adam Woodyatt, who has portrayed the perpetually troubled Ian Beale on EastEnders for decades, Wells has successfully avoided arrest for over six years. Police continue their search, emphasizing the importance of public assistance in locating the fugitive.
"Police would like to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to Wells recently," reiterated a 2024 statement from South Yorkshire Police. "It is possible Wells is currently living outside the UK. If you see him, or you have any information which may help, please contact authorities immediately."
The case highlights the devastating impact of romance fraud on vulnerable individuals and serves as a stark warning about online relationships that seem too good to be true.
