Ian Beale Lookalike Conman Still at Large After Seven-Year Manhunt
The extensive manhunt for a fraudster bearing a striking resemblance to EastEnders character Ian Beale, who deceived three lonely grandmothers into handing over £400,000, continues nearly seven years later. John Eric Wells, dubbed the 'Casanova Conman', has evaded capture since September 2019 when South Yorkshire Police first issued a public appeal for information.
Ongoing Police Search for Elusive Fraudster
Despite his uncanny likeness to one of British television's most iconic figures, portrayed by actor Adam Woodyatt for decades on the BBC soap, Wells has successfully avoided law enforcement. A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police confirmed today that Wells, believed to be in his 60s and also known as Howard Walmsley or Howard Hemmings, remains a wanted man in connection with three high-value romance fraud cases.
Officers stated: 'Officers are still appealing for information about the whereabouts of wanted man John Eric Wells.' The fraudster, originally from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, is accused of charming his elderly victims out of their life savings before embarking on lavish spending sprees with their money.
Victims' Heartbreaking Ordeals Revealed
The offences reportedly occurred from September 2014 onwards, targeting women living in Doncaster, Sussex, and London. One victim, Hazel Wilkins, was left with a mountain of debt after meeting Wells online in 2014 and entering a relationship with him. He began requesting money from her, later taking out loans in her name before disappearing.
Wells promised to purchase homes for Wilkins and her two daughters, only to withdraw at the last moment, leaving one daughter homeless shortly after giving birth. Wilkins sold her own house to secure a new home where her daughter and grandchild could reside with her. She has since been repaying £17,000 in loans taken out in her name, which has halved her pension income.
According to Wilkins, Wells cancelled their wedding plans five times, falsely claimed to own dozens of hotels worldwide, and even pretended to have cancer. She suspects that whenever he claimed to be overseas, he was actually in his hometown of Doncaster. Wilkins also reported being in contact with another woman who described an identical scam perpetrated by Wells.
History of Deception and Previous Convictions
Wells has a prior criminal record, having been jailed for three years in 2001 after faking an £8.9 million lottery win in 1996. He later asserted this scam was an attempt to salvage his marriage. In that case, he defrauded banks, a solicitor, an architect, a car firm, and two female friends, totalling £53,000.
Judge Jane Shipley, who sentenced him at Sheffield Crown Court, remarked that Wells lived in a 'fantasy world', stating: 'You wanted to aspire to the high life and appear successful, but you seem to lack what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.' EastEnders writer Tony Jordan adapted this plot into the film Can't Buy Me Love, starring Martin Kemp.
Current Police Appeal and International Possibilities
In 2024, a South Yorkshire Police spokesman reiterated their appeal: 'Police would like to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to Wells recently, or has information which may help officers with their enquiries. It is possible Wells is currently living outside the UK. If you see him, or you have any information which may help, please call South Yorkshire Police on 101.'
The case highlights the devastating impact of romance fraud on vulnerable individuals and the challenges faced by authorities in tracking down sophisticated con artists who exploit personal relationships for financial gain.
