Deep Dive: Con Mum (2025)
Film Lens
Con Mum is a documentary directed by Nick Green, focusing on the story of Graham Hornigold, a British pastry chef who was defrauded by Dionne Marie Hanna, a woman claiming to be his mother. The film recounts how Hornigold, who was born in 1974 on a British Army base in Germany and raised by his father and in foster care, received an email from Hanna in 2020. She presented herself as a wealthy businesswoman and claimed to be connected to Southeast Asian royalty, promising Hornigold a multimillion-pound inheritance.
As the narrative unfolds, Hornigold's emotional investment grows, especially after Hanna claims to have terminal cancer and requests financial help. The film reveals how Hanna manipulated Hornigold and his partner, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress. A DNA test later confirmed that Hanna is indeed Hornigold's biological mother, adding complexity to the betrayal. The documentary includes interviews with Hornigold and his partner, as well as archival footage and reenactments to illustrate the events.
Why Watch
- •Meet Graham Hornigold, a celebrated pastry chef.
- •Find out how Hanna faked terminal illness.
- •See the emotional impact of a mother-son betrayal.
Did You Know
•Graham Hornigold lost nearly £300,000 to Dionne Marie Hanna.
•Dionne Marie Hanna was charged with fraud in Singapore on April 7, 2025.
•Hanna used red food coloring to fake her illness.
•Hanna has multiple aliases, including Theresa Haton Mahmud.
•Hornigold was born in 1974 on a British Army base in Germany.
Perfect For
True crime enthusiastsFraud case studiesDocumentary fans