A Welsh couple’s dine and dash spree has come to an abrupt end as they were sentenced to prison for fraud after skipping out on expensive meals. Bernard and Ann McDonagh were handed down their punishment in Swansea Crown Court, where Judge Paul Thomas condemned their actions as driven by “pure and utter greed.”
The couple’s modus operandi involved enjoying lavish three-course meals, premium cuts of meat, and double portions of dessert at various restaurants, only to leave without paying the bill. What made their scheme even more despicable was the fact that they used their children as pawns in their criminal activities.
When their bank card was declined due to insufficient funds, the McDonaghs would leave at least one of their six children behind at the table while they pretended to retrieve money from a nearby cash machine. However, they never returned to settle the bill, leaving the children to eventually flee to a waiting vehicle.
The couple, who have a history of using aliases and committing fraud, were caught after restaurants posted images of them on social media. Ann McDonagh, 39, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for her role in the crimes, which also included shoplifting and obstructing a constable by falsely claiming to be pregnant.
Her husband, Bernard McDonagh, 41, received an eight-month sentence and expressed deep remorse for his actions. Their defense lawyers cited personal struggles and grief as possible motivations for their crimes. Despite their apologies, the McDonaghs will now have to serve time behind bars for their fraudulent behavior.