Thursday, October 3, 2024

Infamous couple used ‘decoy’ child to dodge restaurant bills

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They’re known as the “dine and dashers” — a couple notorious for eating out at restaurants before sneaking out without paying the bill.

Shameless Bernard and Ann McDonagh quickly racked up a combined bill into the thousands of dollars after an elaborate ploy using their children.

They would start by trying to pay for their meal — usually for a family of five including their three children — with a card they knew would be declined.

The couple would then leave one of their kids in the restaurant as an assurance that they would return to pay the bill.

Instead, they would make sure they were able to rejoin the “decoy” child before doing a runner from the scene.

The couple used 43 different aliases and 18 different dates of birth to dupe eateries across a 50km radius in Wales in Britain.

Camera IconBernard and Ann McDonagh skipped out five meals. Credit: WNS

Their dine and dash streak was finally rumbled when footage of them leaving Bella Ciao Italian restaurant without paying a $635 bill went viral.

They and their kids joined friends at the premises, eating pricey T-bone steaks and fancy desserts. The group also downed 15 bottles of bubbly.

CCTV shows Ann, 39, attempting to pay twice with a savings account card, which was declined both times.

She then tells staff that her son will wait inside while she goes out to grab another card.

The group, including the child leave the restaurant, then vanish.

Ann McDonagh tried to use a savings card.
Camera IconAnn McDonagh tried to use a savings card. Credit: WNS

Bella Ciao Italian owner Giovan Cangelosi told Swansea Magistrates Court — where the couple pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud — that she felt stupid for trusting the mother.

“When this happened I felt stupid and robbed and I was really beating myself up over it,” she said.

“I found myself doubting customers and worried it might happen again.

“My father and I even discussed changing the dynamic of the restaurant so people pay first before sitting down to have food. But I did not want to do this.”

With the footage being viewed by more than 12 million people, other restaurants soon came forward to reveal that they too had been duped by the couple.

Ann McDonagh in a police mugshot
Camera IconAnn McDonagh in a police mugshot Credit: South Wales Police

A Chinese takeaway that was left $200 out of pocket, another eaterie was left footing a $550 bill, while the couple also failed to pay two other restaurants to the combined tune of about $800.

Ann told probation workers that she specifically targeted the restaurants for luxury meals because “they were not something she could usually afford”.

The couple also admitted to four shoplifting offences after pinching more than $2000 goods from various clothing outlets and supermarkets.

Bernard McDonagh police mugshot.
Camera IconBernard McDonagh police mugshot. Credit: South Wales Police

Putting Bernard 41, and Ann behind bars for 20 months, Judge Paul Thomas told Ann that she had the “leading role” in the scam and was a “fluent and practiced liar”.

The couple were also ordered to pay compensation to the restaurants.

Outside court, prosecutor Service Cymru said: “They have been brought to justice.”

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