Manhunt for Ian Beale lookalike who conned lonely people out of £400,000

16 February 2024 , 13:55

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Police are hunting for John Eric Wells (Image: No credit)

A man bearing a distinct resemblance to an EastEnders legend is on the run from the law after he allegedly tricked vulnerable people out of £400,000

John Eric Wells, who has been on the run for more than four years, is linked to three romance frauds. Wells, who is in his 60s, might also use the names Howard Walmsley and Howard Hemmings, South Yorkshire Police said.

Despite resembling one of British TV's most iconic characters - played by Adam Woodyatt on Eastenders for decades - he's managed to evade arrest for more than four years. The force first asked for help to find him in September 2019, but Wells has remained elusive.

It's said that Wells took all his victims' life savings by making them fall in love with him and then spent their money. One of his victims, Hazel Wilkins, went on This Morning in 2019 to tell her story. She met Wells online and he started asking her for money when they became a couple in 2014. He even took out loans in her name before running away, leaving her with lots of debt.

Before that, Wells was put in jail for three years for pretending to win £8.9million on the lottery. He said he did this to try and save his marriage. He tricked banks, a lawyer, an architect, a car company, and two women friends out of £53,000 in total.

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Judge Jane Shipley, who sent him to prison at Sheffield Crown Court in 2001, said he was living in a "fantasy world". She also said: "You wanted to aspire to the high life and appear successful, but you seem to lack what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur."

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed today that Wells is still on the run, stating: "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."

They added: "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."

Ashley Pemberton