A Welsh couple have been jailed after being convicted of multiple “dine and dash” incidents which cost restaurants over £1,000.
Ann and Bernard McDonagh, from Port Talbot targeted five restaurants across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and Porthcawl, ordering food and leaving before paying. They were identified after CCTV images were posted online by some of the affected business owners.
The restaurants affected were Bella Ciao and River House, Swansea; La Casona, Skewen; Golden Fortune, Port Talbot; and Isabella’s, Porthcawl.
The couple were charged with five counts of fraud at Swansea Magistrates’ Court. Ann McDonagh was sentenced to one year in prison, while Bernard McDonagh was given an eight month prison sentence in prison.
Andrew Hedley, Inspector with South Wales Police, said: “They deliberately ran up huge bills at restaurants which they had no intention of paying. This had a significant impact on the premises they targeted, one of which was newly-opened at the time. Reducing and preventing business and retail crime is a priority within Swansea City, and any crime will be fully investigated, with those found offending, brought to justice.
“Ann and Bernard McDonagh clearly felt that the law did not apply to them. This sentencing shows that it does.”
