AFTER one of four men appeared in court to answer the charges of making off without payment for a food and drinks bill at Punch’s Hotel, solicitor, John Devane, said it was like a “an episode of Come Dine With Me that went very wrong”. The defence solicitor’s comments came after Judge Eugene O’Kelly heard details of how Richard Wallace was one of four men who dined at the hotel and made off without paying for the food and drinks bill that totalled €142.
Judge O’Kelly heard that Wallace, aged 47, with an address at Gerard Street, was taking responsibility for dishonestly, but he advised him to consult with his three associates before the matter would be finalised.
The four men left the hotel, through various exits, after the meal and as Wallace was the last to leave, he was stopped and detained by security staff before being arrested by gardai.
Sgt Donal Cronin told the court that the accused admitted “he was not going to pay”.
With 18 previous convictions, Wallace received a seven year prison sentence from the Special Criminal Court in 1996 for the possession of a firearm.
Mr Devane said his client believed that someone else was going to pay, but Judge O’Kelly ordered that Wallace “consult with his fellow diners” and come up with the money to pay for the meal.
The matter was adjourned until October 24 next.
