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.