Con Mum is a gripping Netflix documentary that follows the story of Graham Hornigold’s emotional reunion with his mother, Dionne Marie Hanna. The documentary sheds light on the alleged fraudulent activities of Ms. Hanna, who has now been charged with fraud in Singapore.
Alleged victims of Ms. Hanna came forward after watching Con Mum and filed police reports accusing her of taking their money under false pretenses. They claim that Ms. Hanna promised to reimburse them using her inheritance from Brunei’s royal family, a claim that has been called into question by her own son, Graham Hornigold.
Ms. Hanna, who is 84 years old, appeared before a district court in Singapore via video link and has been charged with five counts of fraud. She is accused of deceiving three men in Singapore and France into transferring money to her accounts under the guise of needing funds for legal fees and the opening of new bank accounts. She claimed to be terminally ill and promised to repay the money through her supposed inheritance from the Brunei royal family.
The documentary reveals how Ms. Hanna manipulated her son, Graham Hornigold, by presenting herself as a wealthy member of the Brunei royal family. She showered him and his friends with lavish gifts, only to leave them with mounting debts when she disappeared. Mr. Hornigold, a renowned pastry chef, estimated that he lost £300,000 due to his mother’s actions.
It is reported that Ms. Hanna has a history of criminal convictions in the UK for offenses such as shoplifting and fraud. If convicted of the fraud charges in Singapore, she could face up to 20 years in jail and a hefty fine.
The documentary Con Mum highlights the complexities of family relationships and the devastating impact of fraud and deception. It serves as a cautionary tale about trusting others, especially when financial matters are involved. The case of Dionne Marie Hanna is a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence and skepticism when dealing with unfamiliar individuals claiming grandiose stories.
