Pair given jail terms for so-called 'dine and dash' offences
Ann and Bernard McDonagh have been sentenced to 12 and 8 months behind bars, respectively
Last updated 29th May 2024
A man and woman have been handed jail sentences for a string of so-called 'dine and dash' offences across South Wales.
Ann McDonagh's been given a 12 month sentence, whilst Bernard McDonagh's been sentenced to 8 months.
The pair from Aberavon failed to pay their bills at 5 restaurants across South Wales between the 9th of August 2023 and the 13th of March 2024.
The couple were arrested by police after one restaurant they dined and dashed in, Bella Ciao in Swansea, released CCTV footage of the couple on their social media.
The court heard how in this instance, Ann McDonagh’s card declined several times as she tried to pay the £329.10 bill.
She told staff she was heading to cash point and left her child at the restaurant. After a few minutes, the child ran out and the bill was never paid.
Swansea Crown Court heard how this had happened to four other restaurants across South Wales, with the couple’s unpaid bills totalling £1168.10.
Mrs McDonagh also faced charges for several instances of shoplifting, totalling ÂŁ1017.60.
The court heard how she had stolen from supermarkets on two occasions. Once on the 6th of September 2023, where she walked out of a Tesco Extra with ÂŁ126.60 worth of goods.
On the second occasion, ÂŁ400 worth of goods were taken from a Sainsburys.
Mrs McDonagh lastly had stolen ÂŁ491 worth of goods from the Tommy Hilfiger store at the McArthur Glen outlet park in Bridgend on two occasions on the 3rd and 17th of February.
Mrs McDonagh also faces a final charge of obstructing or resisting a police officer.
They both pleaded guilty to all charges at Swansea Magistrates Court on the 8th of May.