John Eric Wells, known as the ‘Casanova Conman’, has been evading authorities for almost seven years after being sought in connection with romance scams targeting three elderly women.
Police continue their search for an Ian Beale lookalike who has been evading capture for seven years. South Yorkshire Police first issued an appeal for the ‘Casanova Conman’ John Eric Wells, believed to be in his 60s, back in September 2019.
Despite his striking resemblance to one of British TV’s most recognisable characters — Ian Beale, played by Adam Woodyatt on EastEnders — Wells has so far avoided arrest.
Wells, who is also believed to use the names Howard Walmsley and Howard Hemmings, is wanted in connection with three romance frauds that allegedly saw vulnerable pensioners swindled out of £400,000.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police confirmed today (Monday) that Wells remains at large, saying: “Officers are still appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of wanted man John Eric Wells.”
The fraudster from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, is alleged to have charmed three elderly victims out of their life savings before splurging their money on lavish spending sprees.
The offences are reported to have taken place from September 2014 onwards, with victims living in various parts of the UK, including Doncaster, Sussex, and London.
One victim, Hazel Wilkins, appeared on This MHe defrauded banks, a solicitor, an architect, a car company, and two female acquaintances out of a total of £53,000. The scheme was later adapted into the film Can’t Buy Me Love, written by Tony Jordan and starring Martin Kemp..”orning in 2019 to share how she met Wells online.
He reportedly began asking for money after their relationship started in 2014 and later took out loans in her name, leaving her in significant debt when he disappeared. Wells had previously served a three-year prison sentence for faking an £8.9 million lottery win, claiming at the time that the fraud was a desperate attempt to save his marriage.
He defrauded banks, a solicitor, an architect, a car company, and two female acquaintances out of a total of £53,000. The scheme was later adapted into the film Can’t Buy Me Love, written by Tony Jordan and starring Martin Kemp.
When sentencing him at Sheffield Crown Court in 2001, Judge Jane Shipley said Wells lived in a “fantasy world.” She added: “You wanted to live the high life and appear successful, but you seem to lack the skills required to be a successful entrepreneur.”
In 2024, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson stated: “Police are appealing for anyone who has seen or spoken to Wells recently, or who has information that could assist our enquiries.
“It is possible that Wells is currently outside the UK. If you see him or have any relevant information, please contact South Yorkshire Police on 101.”
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