A judge has sharply criticized Cheshire Police for an eight-year investigation into a mortgage fraud scheme that resulted in significant delays, causing one victim to cease cooperation and the death of an accomplice.
Adam Francis, 48, was reported to authorities in 2018 for defrauding prospective homeowners out of approximately £200,000 by posing as a mortgage broker. However, he was not interviewed by officers until July 2021 and was not formally charged until December 2024. Following his initial court appearance, victims endured an additional 19 months of legal proceedings before Francis ultimately pleaded guilty.
During the protracted inquiry, one complainant who lost £14,460 withdrew their cooperation, stating a desire to move on with their life. This victim later faced the prospect of being compelled to testify via a court summons. Meanwhile, Francis's accomplice, Robert Kelly, who posed as an accountant, died of natural causes in 2021.
Sentencing Francis at Chester Crown Court, Judge Steven Everett described the investigation's length as 'unconscionable' and stated that Cheshire Police 'did not do as it should.' He questioned the court's ability to effectively address offenses committed eight years prior, noting that victims would not regain the years of stress and worry they experienced.
Judge Everett also took issue with prosecutors seeking a witness summons for a complainant eight years after the initial complaint was made, deeming it 'not the best decision.'
Francis received a 25-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting to defrauding four victims. The fraud, which occurred between February 2017 and August 2018, involved Francis, who had prior convictions for dishonesty, operating as 'The Mortgage Man.' He and Kelly allegedly took substantial sums from clients under the pretense of covering legal fees and deposits for mortgages, without ever initiating any financial applications.
One victim seeking to remortgage her home and equestrian facility lost £114,000 after Francis advised her to take out a new mortgage and offered assistance with overseas property purchases. She was forced to borrow money from her son and her late mother, who ultimately sold her home to cover the loss. Another victim's business lost £40,000, pushing him to the brink of bankruptcy, while a third victim experienced marital strain due to the stress of losing £41,000.
Prosecutors stated that Francis made false representations and knew they were untrue or misleading. Neither Francis nor Kelly possessed formal qualifications or accreditation for mortgage brokering. Victims described feeling heartbroken, embarrassed, anxious, and distrustful as a result of the deception.
Francis's defense noted his poor health and suggested he held genuine remorse. Prosecutors acknowledged that it was unclear if Francis possessed any assets to repay the victims, and a Proceeds of Crime hearing is scheduled.