Gary Porter

Adam Francis, 48, defrauded four people of just over £203,436 between 2017 and 2018 by posing as a mortgage adviser and demanding deposits, charges and solicitors’ fees. He created the appearance that legitimate mortgage and conveyancing work was progressing, while he and an associate had already taken the money. Francis pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation and was sentenced at Chester Crown Court to 25 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with a rehabilitation requirement. None of the victims’ money has been recovered.