An 84-year-old British woman who allegedly conned her own son to bankroll a luxurious, champagne-filled lifestyle has been charged with multiple counts of fraud — just weeks after her story aired in a Netflix documentary.
Dionne Marie Hanna, a resident of Singapore, faces five fraud charges involving three alleged victims. She appeared via video link in court on Saturday, reportedly from a hospital bed at Singapore’s Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The reason for her hospitalization has not been disclosed.
Authorities say Hanna scammed victims in Singapore and France by claiming she needed funds to cover legal fees and open overseas bank accounts. She promised to reimburse them through a sizable inheritance she claimed to be receiving from Brunei’s royal family — a claim that prosecutors say was entirely fabricated.
The fraud charges gained traction following the release of the Netflix documentary Con Mum, which details how Hanna allegedly devastated the life of her estranged son, Graham Hornigold — a renowned London pastry chef. The show reveals how Hanna contacted Hornigold in 2020, claiming to be his long-lost mother. DNA tests later confirmed their biological connection.
Hornigold, however, says the reunion turned into a nightmare after Hanna swindled him out of hundreds of thousands of pounds. She reportedly posed as a successful international entrepreneur, gaining his trust before allegedly draining his savings.
According to court documents, Hanna also lured other victims by claiming she was terminally ill, pledging to donate millions to a mosque and a Muslim non-profit in Singapore once her inheritance was released. She is accused of exploiting their compassion to extract large sums of money.
Following the documentary’s release, Singapore police reported receiving several complaints from alleged victims. Investigators now say Hanna is linked to at least five fraud cases with losses exceeding £115,000 (approx. $145,000).
Police explained: “As part of the arrangement to receive monies for investment and inheritance, the victims were asked to transfer money for legal fees and the opening of overseas bank accounts. The victims believed her claims were genuine and made several transfers to her.”
If convicted, Hanna faces up to 20 years in prison and a substantial fine.
