Dionne Marie Hanna, the 84-year-old British woman featured in the Netflix documentary Con Mum, told a Singapore court on Thursday she had no one to bail her out after being charged with multiple counts of fraud totaling S$500,000 (US$381,000), reads a Star post.
Appearing via video link from a police station and seated in a wheelchair, Hanna said in a frail voice, “I don’t have anybody to bail me out.” The court set her bail at S$50,000 (US$38,100). She was not represented by a lawyer and appeared to have difficulty hearing the judge.
Hanna is accused of scamming at least three people, including telling one man she was a member of the Brunei royal family and had terminal cancer. She allegedly promised large inheritances in exchange for money to cover legal and banking costs.
The charges surfaced shortly after the release of Con Mum on March 25, which tells the story of Hanna reconnecting with renowned pastry chef Graham Hornigold—whom she claims is her son—and allegedly scamming him out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. A DNA test in the documentary later confirmed she is indeed his biological mother.
Singapore police say more victims came forward following the documentary's release. Authorities claim Hanna misled victims into transferring money by promising investments and inheritances.
If convicted, Hanna could face up to 20 years in prison and fines. Her next court hearing is scheduled for May 16.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
