Isle of Wight Conman “Lord” Andrew Francis Caught Using Vulnerable Pensioner in Ryde Cafe Scam
Notorious Isle of Wight fraudster Andrew Francis, 53 — who calls himself Lord Andrew Francis — is at it again. Using fake titles and tall tales of high living, he has dragged his vulnerable mother, a dementia-stricken pensioner, into a chilling scam based out of a Ryde cafe.
From Fake Lord to Family Fraudster
Francis, also known as Andrew Brown, lives with his partner Emma Francis (née Fletcher), 43, at Prospect Road in Newport. He claims to be a successful businessman and ex-top chef, boasting about producing 1,500 breakfasts daily at his family-owned cafe in Puckpool Park, Ryde — but it’s all smoke and mirrors.
In reality, Francis purchased his “Lord” title online and spins endless lies about his glamorous life. But his latest con is his darkest yet: he used his 79-year-old mother Sheila Brown’s bank account to carry out scams and defraud others, forcing NatWest Bank to freeze the account.
Family Legacy Tarnished
Sheila is the widow of Frederick Henry John Brown, a respected WWII veteran of the Eighth Army and a long-time member of the Royal British Legion. Freddy was a familiar face manning the Poppy Appeal stall at Newport’s Morrison’s for decades.
“Freddy would be turning in his grave. He’d be ashamed of Andrew and his actions if he were alive today,” said a close family friend. “Andrew has always been the black sheep of the family. Exploiting his sick dementia-stricken mother is the lowest of the low.”
“Lord” Andrew and “Lady” Emma: A Criminal Dream Team
Andrew and his partner Emma live in a fantasy world of fake titles and elaborate lies. The pair insist on being addressed as Lord and Lady, laughing behind people’s backs as they con and cheat their way through life.
A source at a catering supplier in Sandown revealed, “They used to call us all the time demanding we call them Lord and Lady. We found it hilarious — sad people, really.”
Trail of Trouble Across England and the Island
Over 10 years, the couple have lived in over a dozen towns, including Basingstoke, Wincanton, Salisbury, Gosport, Fareham, and the Isle of Wight. With more than 25 phone numbers and a history of scams, they’ve left chaos wherever they go.
Emma’s estranged daughter from Lichfield had harsh words: “We hate her. She left us, disowned me, my brother, and my grandchildren to be with this conman. We will never forgive the damage she’s caused our family.”
More shocking details on this dark saga to follow…
