A couple from Port Talbot has admitted to numerous fraud charges after dining and leaving without payment at several restaurants, accumulating losses of over £1,100 for businesses.
Bernard McDonagh, 41, and Ann McDonagh, 39, from Port Talbot, pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges related to a series of ‘dine and dash’ incidents across south Wales. They appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court where they admitted to not paying for meals totaling £1,168.10 at various restaurants. The ordeal included incidents at the River House, Golden Fortune takeaway, La Casona restaurant, and Bella Ciao in Swansea, among others.
Ann McDonagh also faced charges for shoplifting items worth £1,017.60 from a designer store. The episode at Bella Ciao involved a meal worth £329, after which the couple attempted to pay with a declined card and subsequently left the venue. This string of offenses left businesses with significant financial losses.
Their actions caught public attention after affected establishments, including River House and Bella Ciao, shared their experiences on social media. The couple is scheduled for sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on May 29.
