I would say that meanness is indeed a warning sign, as is early boundary-testing dressed up as charming impulsiveness: the "I nicked a chip off her plate" story about meeting Diane, and the turning up on Helen's doorstep both come to mind.
Very much so. I didn't like the chip stealing or turning up unannounced incidents one little bit, and if I was the lady involved, both would have put me off him. But I do feel the latter event was sinister and a huge red flag that Helen should have picked up on. It is a clear indicator of how off-balance her judgement was at that time, so soon after her bereavement. It's the very reason that counsellor/life coach should have been suggesting she avoid romantic liaisons for at least a year, rather than encouraging her to snap IS up pronto before another woman did (like he was some sort of prize!)
Maybe I'm being over sensitive here due to my own situation, but the subtext seemed to be; as a middle aged woman you should grab any man who comes along because you're lucky to get one - no matter how ineligible he is! Helen was a very eligible woman for many reasons, her money the least of them, and she had no reason to 'grab' anyone in a hurry. Oh if only she hadn't.
The Sun article made my blood boil - the arrogance of this man, thinking he could stonewall not only the police but journalists too, make them leave him alone, the poor persecuted Ian and forget all about Helen. As if the law, the press and all her family and friends wouldn't care hugely about her disappearance and push for answers! He totally disrespected and underestimated her in life and in death didn't he? He's got a long time to ponder on that now!