Footballer left without paying £2,000 whisky bill in series of 'dine-and-dash' restaurant thefts totalling £3,500, court hears

By MARK DUELL, DEPUTY CHIEF REPORTER (DIGITAL) Published: 10:27, 12 June 2026 | Updated: 10:27, 12 June 2026 A footballer ran out on a £2,000 malt whisky bill in a series of 'dine-and-dash' thefts, a court has heard. Michael Dome-Bemwin, 29, is accused of failing to pay for food and drinks on six occasions across Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster between January 29 and April 23. The centre-forward, whose most recent club was non-league Greengate District FC, denies six counts of obtaining services dishonestly – the most lavish being two shots of Yamazaki malt whisky priced at £2,047. His other orders were said to include £356.60 of Acqua Panna still water and whisky, seven pints of lager worth £70, and food and drinks costing £408.65 from a fine-dining establishment 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. Commenting on the cost of the £2,000 whisky that Dome-Bemwin allegedly failed to pay, District Judge Briony Clarke said: '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 wearing an olive green jumper with his hands behind his back, speaking to confirm his identity and deny the six charges. Michael Dome-Bemwin arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday Stuart Harris, defending, said: 'He accepts presence, he has very little recollection of the incidents.' The district judge told the footballer: 'Your trial is fixed for December 7 at this court. 'You must be here on that December date no later than 9:30 in the morning. If you are not here, the trial can proceed in your absence.' The footballer, of Ghanaian descent, 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. Dome-Bemwin, of Finsbury Park, was granted conditional bail ahead of his trial back at Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 7. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.