Dine and Dash couple sentenced
A couple who took part in 'dine and dash' offences have been sentenced.
Bernard McDonagh, 41, and Ann McDonagh 39, have today been sentenced for multiple offences of dishonesty.
From 9 August 2023 to 19 April 2024, the couple attended five restaurants, ordering substantial amounts of food for themselves and their family, totalling £1,168.70 knowing they would not make payment. Ann McDonagh would attempt to make payments despite knowing the card transactions would be declined. When payment could not be taken, she would leave to obtain alternative payment, but would not return. On an occasion where food was delivered, they refused to make payment, closing the door on the delivery driver.
Ann McDonagh also committed several offences of shoplifting, removing security tags and stealing items to the value of £1,017.60. She continued her deception on arrest, obstructing police by indicating that she was nine months pregnant, resulting in her release from custody.
Their scheme was uncovered when a business shared CCTV footage of their actions on social media.
The couple first appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court on 8 May 2024, where they pleaded guilty.
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The thefts committed by the McDonagh’s have had a devastating impact on local family run restaurants. These businesses, already facing numerous challenges, have suffered financial losses and emotional strain due to the McDonagh’s actions.
“They have today been brought to justice”.
Ann McDonagh has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.
Bernard McDonagh has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment.
Notes to editors
- Bernard McDonagh (DOB 08/02/1983) is from Sandfields, Port Talbot.
- Ann McDonagh (DOB 19/03/1985) is from Sandfields, Port Talbot.
- Bernard McDonagh pleaded guilty to:
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 9 August 2023 at River House, Kings Road, Swansea Docks (£267.60)
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 31 January 2024 at Golden Fortune, Commercial Road, Port Talbot (£99.40)
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 23 February 2024 at La Casona, New Road, Skewen (£276.60)
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 27 March 2024 at Isabelles, Well Street, Porthcawl (£196)
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 19 April 2024 at Bella Ciao, Castle Street, Swansea (£329.10)
- Ann McDonagh pleaded guilty to:
Theft from a shop on 6 September 2023 at Tesco Extra (£126.60)
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 9 August 2023 at River House, Kings Road, Swansea Docks (£267)
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 31 January 2024 at Golden Fortune, Commercial Road, Port Talbot (£99.40)
Theft from a shop on 3 February 2024 at Bridgend Designer Outlet (Tommy Hilfiger £442)
Theft from a shop on 17 February 2024 at Bridgend Designer Outlet (Tommy Hilfiger £49)
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 23 February 2024 at La Casona, New Road, Skewen (£276.60)
Theft from a shop on 25 February 2024 at Sainsbury’s Bridgend (£400)
Obstruct/resist a constable in execution of duty on 13 March 2024
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 27 March 2024 at Isabelles, Well Street, Porthcawl (£196)
Obtaining services dishonestly (jointly) on 19 April 2024 at Bella Ciao, Castle Street, Swansea (£329.10)
- Sentence took place on 29 May 2024 at Swansea Crown Court