A dishonest South Wales couple have admitted a series of offences in relation to stealing food, drink, designer clothing and groceries from businesses across the region.
Ann McDonagh, 39, and Bernard McDonagh, 41, of Sandsfield, Port Talbot, admitted five offences of fraud when they appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 8th May 2024.
Ann McDonagh admitted an additional four offences of shop theft and obstructing a police constable in the exercise of their duties.
Fraud is an offence under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006. It has a maximum penalty of 12 months' custody on summary conviction; 10 years' custody on conviction on indictment. The specific mode of fraud in this case has not been reported, but it appears to be a case of fraud by false representation.
District Judge Chris James heard that the McDonaghs were identified after CCTV footage of their latest crime was uploaded by the business concerned.
The couple were in a party of eight that dined at the Bella Ciao Italian restaurant in Port Talbot on the evening of Friday, 19th April 2024.
The group ordered £329 worth of food and drink, including the most expensive steak on the menu and double-helpings of dessert.
At the end of the evening Ann McDonagh remained to "settle the bill", whilst the other members of the party slipped away.
Ann McDonagh was unable to make payment with the card she offered to staff, so said she would nip outside to get an alternative. She never returned.
The restaurant released footage of the party, which is shown in the image at the head of this post. The McDonaghs, facing forwards in the image, were identified a few days' later.
The couple admitted using a similar scam to fleece four other South Wales restaurants, although there may well be others.
It also transpired today that their thieving extends to traditional retail, with Ann McDonagh admitted the theft of thousands of pounds worth of designer clothing and groceries from Tommy Hilfinger, Sainsbury's and Tesco.
Having considered the circumstances, DJ James took the view that the court's sentencing powers were insufficient. Accordingly, he sent the matters to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing.
The couple were granted unconditional bail until their sentencing hearing on Wednesday, 29th May 2024.
I note that there is no mention of the McDonaghs' previous convictions. Given the nature of this offending, I consider it unlikely they were of previous good character.
This is particularly brazen criminality - repeatedly walking into restaurants as part of a group, gorging on the most expensive food and walking out having feinged an offer of payment.
There are millions of totally decent, hard-working, honest people across the land who would love nothing better than the treat their families to a slap up restaurant meal, but sadly they can't afford it. They choose the responsible option of living within their means; they do not dine out anyway, thereby stealing indirectly from the pockets of other customer.
It should also be noted that children were present at several of these gatherings, no doubt to give staff the impression of a normal family occasion.
It may well be the case that some of the McDonagh's guests were totally oblivious to the fact they were dining out on the proceeds of crime. They too have been misled by these most dishonest and gluttonous of criminals.
The McDonaghs are said to have children under the age of 16, who they are setting a terrible example. Fortunately for them, it'll be their children that keep them out of prison.
Update (8/5/24): Further details have now been published about previous convictions. Ann McDonagh is reported as having 18 convictions for 36 offences, some of which are offences of dishonesty. She has previous for both fraud and shop theft. Bernard McDonagh has previous convictions for theft, although it's not clear how many.
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