Crime

Couple jailed for £1,000 restaurant ‘dine and dash’ spree

Published

2 years ago

May 29, 2024

A COUPLE who repeatedly left restaurants without paying their bills have been jailed following a spree of “dine and dash” incidents across South Wales. Bernard McDonagh and Ann McDonagh targeted five restaurants in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, and Porthcawl, racking up bills totalling over £1,000.

The couple, from Sandfields in Port Talbot, were identified after frustrated restaurant owners posted CCTV images online. Earlier this month, both pleaded guilty to five counts of obtaining services dishonestly at Swansea Magistrates Court. Ann McDonagh received a 12-month prison sentence, while Bernard McDonagh was sentenced to eight months.

Judge Paul Thomas KC, presiding over the case, noted that the couple’s actions were driven by greed and the thrill of their exploits. He described Ann McDonagh as the mastermind behind the frauds, calling her a “fluent and practised liar.” Judge Thomas stated that the couple’s persistent audacity and lack of rehabilitation prospects necessitated immediate custodial sentences.

Inspector Andrew Hedley of South Wales Police commented on the case, emphasising the significant impact on local businesses. “The prolific and brazen offending of Ann and Bernard McDonagh rightly caught the attention of a large percentage of the local public. It is great to see that justice has now been served, and we thank those members of the public who assisted with the investigation,” he said.

Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID, highlighted the role of the Business Crime Reduction partnership in securing the conviction. “Our free Sentrysis reporting platform, which we provide to our businesses, was instrumental in facilitating this result. The success of this case underscores the importance of our ongoing collaborative efforts with South Wales Police,” he stated.

The Crown Prosecution Service Cymru also released a statement, acknowledging the devastating impact the McDonaghs’ actions had on family-run restaurants. “These businesses, already facing numerous challenges, have suffered financial losses and emotional strain due to the McDonaghs’ actions. They have today been brought to justice.”

Judge Thomas further remarked on the harm caused by the couple’s behaviour, which included ordering expensive food that often went uneaten. He addressed the defendants, stating that their actions had put livelihoods at risk and reinforced negative stereotypes about the traveller community.

During the sentencing, Bernard McDonagh expressed deep embarrassment and shame for his actions. His advocate, Giles Hayes, informed the court that Bernard had arranged to pay compensation after borrowing money from friends and family. He also revealed that the McDonaghs’ home had been vandalised following media coverage of their crimes.

The couple was given seven days to pay the required compensation.

The case has drawn significant attention from the local community and serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in combating business crime.

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over heroin supply and £5,500 cash

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN with no fixed address has been remanded in custody accused of possessing heroin with intent to supply and holding thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash.

Kieren Jones, aged 28, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9).

He is charged with possessing diamorphine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply it to two unknown persons in Carmarthen on Friday (Feb 7), contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Jones also faces a further allegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act that he acquired, used or possessed criminal property, namely £5,500 in cash, on the same date.

No pleas were entered at the hearing.

Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Crown Court.

Bail was refused on the grounds that Jones was likely to offend, interfere with witnesses and fail to surrender to custody.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 9:00am on Friday, March 13.

The custody time limit expires on August 10.