Scotland's most callous conman has penned an autobiography that victims say is a self-serving fantasy. Anthony Adams, 31, who previously posed as a surgeon, a Celtic scout, an ambulance firm boss, a UN ambassador and an exorcist, has released a book titled Found My Way Back. The publication has outraged those he deceived, who accuse him of trying to excuse his crimes.
Family of crash victim speaks out
The family of Josh Crawford, 27, who died in a crash in 2022, has branded the book "the sickest fantasy of all". After Josh's death, Adams lurked around Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, telling his mother Margaret, 60, that he was a surgeon and a friend of Josh who had heard his last words. The family trusted him so much that they invited him to be a pall-bearer at Josh's funeral.
Margaret said: "This scumbag is relentless. He's not an author, he doesn't tell truths, he's a barefaced liar and won't stop. He hasn't used his own name either, but the fantasy name he used when trying to pass himself off as a priest. He is incapable of telling the truth."
Book described as a ruse
Josh's sister Afton, 34, said Adams has never apologised to the family. "He has never apologised to us personally or publicly for the way he ingratiated himself into our family at the worst possible time. So as for redemption and hope, well that's not happening. Nor is accepting accountability for his actions," she said.
She added: "This so-called book is nothing but a ruse to get people to buy it and think he's atoned for his wrongdoing. He is incapable of remorse as his mind will be actively thinking of his next scam. People should know this guy is rotten to the core and with him now staying in Glasgow city centre, his face should be seen so that people don't get duped by him."
The book, available for pre-order on Amazon, is written under the pseudonym Antonio O'Braonain. In the blurb, Adams writes: "Found My Way Back is the true story of one man's journey through trauma, loss, illness, redemption and hope." The book mixes some truths with fantasy, including claims of missionary work in Africa and serious illness, and admits to being jailed for how he treated Josh's family.
Recent court appearance
The publication comes two years after Adams was given a six-month jail sentence over Josh. In May, he appeared in court to answer charges of stealing medals from blind ex-serviceman Bill Mackie, 72, and gave him the middle finger as he drove from court. Bill had travelled to Tanzania with his wife but fell under Adams's spell, who sent the couple on a wild goose chase to meet the country's foreign minister.
