Crime
Couple jailed for £1,000 restaurant ‘dine and dash’ spree
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
Fishguard man admits assault and criminal damage
Court orders no contact with woman and bans him from address ahead of sentencing
A FISHGUARD man has admitted assaulting a woman and damaging property during an incident earlier this year.
Peter Bromley, aged 50, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing.
He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage.
The court heard that on January 13, 2026, at Fishguard, Bromley assaulted a woman by beating her.
During the same incident, he also damaged crockery belonging to her.
Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Bromley was remanded on conditional bail and must return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 26 at 12:00pm.
Strict bail conditions were imposed. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not attend her address in Fishguard.
Sentencing will take place later this month.
Crime
Pembroke Dock man admits threatening to hack woman’s head off with sword
Court imposes strict bail conditions and bans contact with named individuals ahead of sentencing
A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted sending a message threatening serious violence and has been remanded on conditional bail while the court prepares a pre-sentence report.
Charles Bianchy, aged 37, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
He pleaded guilty to making a communication conveying a threat of serious harm, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.
The court heard that on September 16, 2025, at Pembroke Dock, Bianchy sent a message to a woman, threatening to hack that woman’s head off with a sword, intending, or being reckless as to whether, the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out.
Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.
Bianchy was remanded on conditional bail and must attend the next hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 26 at 10:00am.
Strict bail conditions were imposed. He must not contact the alleged victim and one other witness to the case, directly or indirectly, and must not attend at a specified address in, Pembroke Dock.
He is also prohibited from entering any data, or permitting any data to be entered, onto any electronic network referencing the complainant .
The case will return to court later this month for sentencing.
(Image: File photo)
Crime
Community order for man who breached sexual harm prevention order
Walters fined and ordered to complete rehabilitation programme after admitting breach of court-imposed restrictions
A NARBERTH man has been handed a community order after admitting breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
John Walters, aged 61, Townmoor, Narberth, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Tuesday (Feb 4).
The court heard that between December 5 and December 7, 2025, Walters breached the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which had been imposed by Swansea Crown Court in June 2022.
Walters indicated a guilty plea at an earlier hearing.
Magistrates imposed a community order running until August 3, 2027. As part of the sentence, he must complete the Building Choices Programme, consisting of 21 sessions, and comply with up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity at the direction of a responsible officer.
The court also fined him £200, stating the penalty was set as a punitive element.
Walters was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. A collection order was made for the money to be deducted from benefits at a rate of £20 per month.
Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are designed to restrict behaviour and protect the public. Breaching the terms of such an order is a criminal offence and can lead to further penalties, including imprisonment.
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