In a brazen display of culinary deception, a couple in South Wales allegedly defrauded five restaurants out of over $1,200 in an elaborate ‘dine and dash’ scheme. Ann, 39, and Bernard McDonagh, 41, from Port Talbot, are accused of targeting eateries within a 30-mile radius, dining lavishly, and then disappearing without paying their hefty tabs.
The couple’s modus operandi involved arriving at their chosen establishment with four companions. After ordering and consuming their meals, which often exceeded $400 in value, four members of the group would swiftly depart, leaving Ann McDonagh and a young child behind to settle the bill. However, the couple’s ploy would inevitably unravel when Ann’s attempts to pay with a declined card would fail. She would then claim to retrieve an alternative card from their vehicle, leaving the child as a supposed guarantee of her return. However, both Ann and the child would promptly flee, leaving the restaurant with an unpaid tab.
According to the owners of Spanish and Italian restaurant La Casona, the McDonaghs employed this scheme repeatedly, taking advantage of the fact that local police initially dismissed their calls as non-emergencies. Despite providing CCTV recordings, photos, and the registration plate number of the couple’s vehicle, restaurant staff claim that the authorities displayed a lackadaisical response.
Frustrated by the apparent lack of action, La Casona took matters into their own hands, posting their story and CCTV images of the couple on Facebook. The move drew attention to the ongoing issue and prompted other victims to come forward. Bella Ciao, a newly opened restaurant, reported falling victim to the McDonaghs’ scheme just a day before the social media post was published.
The South Wales Police have acknowledged the allegations and confirmed that an investigation is underway. However, the force has declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of their inquiry. The McDonaghs have since been arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud. Ann McDonagh also faces additional charges of theft. As the investigation continues, local restaurants are demanding justice and calling for a more robust response from law enforcement authorities to combat such fraudulent activities.
