Footballer ‘fled restaurant without paying £2,000 for two shots of whisky’

A footballer has appeared in court accused of skipping £3,500 worth of food and drink bills in a series of alleged ‘dine-and-dash’ thefts.

Michael Dome-Bemwin, 29, is said to have failed to pay for food and drinks on six occasions across Kensington, Chelsea, and Westminster between January 29 and April 23 this year.

The Greengate District FC centre-forward denies six counts of obtaining services dishonestly – the most lavish being two shots of Yamazaki malt whiskey priced at £2,047.

His other bills are said to include £356.60 worth of Acqua Panna still water and whisky, seven pints of lager costing £70, and £408.65 of food and drink from a fine-dining venue in Westminster.

Dome-Bemwin also ordered food and drinks to the value of £362.25 and £3,278.30 respectively at two restaurants in Kensington and Chelsea, making the total £3,522.80, it is said.

District Judge Briony Clarke remarked of the £2,000 whisky bill: ‘I would have to make a note of that venue to make sure I don’t go… Remarkable!’

Dome-Bemwin appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

He spoke only to confirm his identity and deny the six charges.

Defending, Stuart Harris said: ‘He accepts presence, he has very little recollection of the incidents.’

Ms Clarke told the footballer: ‘Your trial is fixed for December 7 at this court.

‘You must be here on that December date no later than 9.30am. If you are not here, the trial can proceed in your absence.’

Dome-Bemwin has played for teams including National League club Braintree Town and Isthmian League Premier Division side Brentwood Town.

He has also played for Lewes, Whitehawk, Enfield Town, Harrow Borough, Weymouth, Ashford United, Clapton, Park View and Margate.

Greengate District, his most recent club, play in the 11th tier of English football in the Essex Alliance Football League Senior Division.

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