Belfast man who dined out at top city centre hotel told staff to phone police when asked to pay
A Belfast man has been jailed for dining out at a five-star city centre hotel without the money to pay for his meal.
Martin Mongan ordered a three-course lunch at the Grand Central before instructing staff to call police because he had no wallet.
The 38-year-old, who has a previous history of walking out of top hotels and restaurants without settling food and drink bills, was handed a four-month sentence for the latest incident.
Mongan, of St Agnes Place, pleaded guilty to a new charge of theft.
Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard he entered the Grand Central alone in the middle of the afternoon on April 28 last year.
He walked around inside the hotel located on Bedford Street before going into the restaurant to request a table.
Mongan was initially shown to one seated area but declined it and asked for another table beside the exit.
“He then ordered and consumed a three-course lunch to the value of £47.30,” a prosecution lawyer said.
Amid concerns he may leave without paying, staff described him as acting oddly throughout the meal. One of the hotel workers who spoke to Mongan was then informed: “I have no wallet, just ring the police.”
He initially claimed to have lost it in the hotel and gave his name as Martin Monzan. Checks were carried out but failed to locate any missing wallet.
A previous court heard Mongan has "expensive tastes” for Belfast dining establishments he left in the past without covering the bills.
After admitting the new offence, District Judge Steven Keown sentenced him to four months in custody.