Bernard McDonagh, 41, and Ann McDonagh, 39, from Port Talbot, have admitted to a series of offences involving leaving restaurants without paying their bills, cumulating in over £1,000 of unpaid charges. The fraud charges were confessed at Swansea Magistrates’ Court, where the couple faced prosecution for their deceit across several establishments, including Bella Ciao and The River House in Swansea, as well as other locations such as Golden Fortune takeaway and La Casona restaurant.

The incidents typically involved the couple ordering meals but then departing from the venues without paying, in some instances alleging they would return to settle the bill after a card was declined—promises they did not fulfil. The couple’s actions were documented and shared by the affected businesses on social media, where they described the conduct as premeditated theft.

Additionally, Ann McDonagh pleaded guilty to charges of shoplifting from various retail stores including Tesco and Tommy Hilfiger. The case has now been escalated to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing, scheduled for May 29. The couple was apprehended and charged following a series of reports from businesses about their fraudulent dining practices and related shoplifting activities.