A serial dine-and-dash offender has been jailed after consuming £89.45 worth of food and booze at a seafront pub without paying.
Anthony Lamont went to the Charles Dickens in Broadstairs on July 16, sat down and ordered a meal and drinks for himself.
Anthony Lamont has been jailed after dining without paying at the Charles Dickens pub in Broadstairs. Picture: Google
When the bill arrived, he told staff he had no means to pay, but had texted a girlfriend asking her to come and cover the cost for him.
Waiters were not buying his story, and police were called shortly before 5pm that afternoon.
It is the third time the 45-year-old has not paid for his dinner.
On June 17, 2024, he knocked back nine pints and three double vodkas at The Royal Hotel in Deal.
After also clearing off a bowl of chips, he tried to claim a friend had a room booked, which the £95.80 bill could go on.
CCTV shows the moment attempted “dine and dasher” Anthony Lamont is arrested at Don Vincenzo Italian restaurant in Rochester high street. Picture: Don Vincenzo
However, when checks were carried out, the hotel had no record of that person having a reservation or ever checking in.
Staff intervened to stop Lamont leaving and the police were called.
It happened while he was on a suspended sentence for an “identical” crime at Don Vincenzo in Rochester five days previously.
He washed seafood linguine down with Jack Daniel’s, before trying to leave his £100 tab.
CCTV footage showed the moment police officers arrived at the Medway restaurant to arrest Lamont.
Anthony Lamont at the restaurant in Rochester. Picture: Don Vincenzo
In the most recent incident, officers once again descended on the pub to arrest him.
He was charged the following day with making off without payment.
Lamont, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty when he appeared before magistrates on Saturday, July 18.
He was immediately sentenced to two weeks imprisonment.
Kent Police inspector Matthew Vick said: “Lamont’s actions were a brazen attempt to take advantage of a local business, but thanks to the swift response of pub staff, officers and the courts, he found himself behind bars just two days later.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to protecting communities from this type of crime, which can have a significant impact on local businesses.
The £95.80 bill Anthony Lamont racked up at The Royal Hotel on Deal seafront, including nine pints of Spitfire lager and three double vodka and cokes to go with his fish and chips. Picture: Kent Police
“We work closely with retailers and hospitality venues so that offenders can be held accountable, and to send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Kent.”