London: A couple in the United Kingdom found themselves in hot water after indulging in lavish meals at five different restaurants and making a swift exit without settling their bills, resulting in charges of fraud against them.
Ann McDonagh, 39, and Bernard McDonagh, 41, residents of Sandfields in Port Talbot, Wales, are currently facing legal consequences, with five counts of fraud lodged against them for their dine-and-dash spree, which racked up a tab exceeding £1,000 (approximately ₹1,04,170.50).
The incident gained attention when restaurant owners in a 30-mile radius reported the couple’s escapades to the authorities. Ann McDonagh faces additional charges of theft, totalling four counts, in connection with the incidents.
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Restaurant proprietors took to social media, sharing CCTV footage of the couple, appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the offenders. Despite their efforts, the response from law enforcement initially fell short, as restaurant representatives claimed that their calls to the police were not treated as emergencies.
According to accounts from restaurant managers, the modus operandi involved the couple, accompanied by a small child, dining on extravagant meals before attempting to pay with a card that was ultimately declined. Subsequently, Ann McDonagh would purportedly promise to retrieve an alternative payment method from their vehicle, leaving the child behind. However, within moments, both Ann and the child would abscond, leaving the bill unpaid.
Amidst growing concerns, the South Wales Police assured the public that investigations into the matter were ongoing, signaling a proactive response to address the fraudulent activities.
