Mortgage fraudster Adam Francis sentenced to suspended term in Cheshire

Adam Francis, a 48‑year‑old from Barnton near Northwich, Cheshire, posed as a mortgage adviser and, together with a now‑deceased accountant, defrauded four individuals of more than £203,000 between February 2017 and August 2018. The victims, seeking assistance with new mortgages, were convinced to hand over deposits, legal fees and other charges after seeing Francis’s adverts as the “Mortgage Man”. He reinforced the deception by contacting estate agents, legitimate mortgage advisers and solicitors to obtain documents that appeared to show progress on the applications.

Chester Crown Court sentenced Francis to 25 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity. He had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation. None of the stolen money was recovered. Detective Constable Catrin Phoenix of Cheshire Police said the sentencing provides closure for the victims, despite the loss of their funds.