Isle of Wight Conman “Lord” Andrew Francis Scams Vulnerable Pensioner in Ryde Cafe Fraud
Andrew Francis, 53, a notorious Isle of Wight conman also known as Andrew Brown, has been caught up in a shocking new scam. The self-styled “Lord” from Prospect Road, Newport, has dragged his vulnerable 79-year-old dementia-stricken mother into a cunning bank fraud involving a Ryde café business lease.
From Fake Lord to Family Fraudster
Francis boasts of being a top chef and wealthy businessman, claiming ties to Sandown racecourse and owning a café at Puckpool Park — all lies. He purchased his bogus noble title online to fuel his fantasy lifestyle with partner Emma Francis (aka Emma Pearce), who cares for his sick mother at their Housing Association home in Newport.
But now he’s stooped to a new low by exploiting his elderly mother’s bank account in a money deception scheme. This forced NatWest to freeze her account while investigations unfold.
Family Betrayal Sparks Outrage
The pensioner victim is Sheila Brown, mother of Andrew Francis and widow of highly respected WW2 veteran Frederick Henry John “Freddy” Brown. Freddy was a well-known local figure, manning the Poppy Appeal in Morrison’s Newport for decades and serving with the Royal British Legion.
“Freddy would be turning in his grave. He’d be ashamed of Andrew if he were alive,” said a close family friend. “Andrew has always been the black sheep. Exploiting his vulnerable, sick mother is the lowest of the low.”
“Call Me Lord” and the Wild Walter Mitty Duo
Francis and Emma push their fake aristocratic personas, insisting others address them as Lord and Lady. A catering supplier in Sandown revealed, “They constantly called us, demanding to be called Lord and Lady. We laughed behind their backs — hopeless fantasists.”
The couple have bounced around England and the Isle of Wight over the last decade, moving through at least 25 phone numbers and leaving wreckage in their wake.
Family Fallout and Furious Daughter Speaks Out
Emma’s own daughter in Lichfield condemned her mother’s conduct. “We hate her for leaving us, disowning me, my brother and grandchildren to be with this conman. The damage she’s caused my dad is unforgivable.”
The story is still developing. More updates to follow.
