NewsUK NewsCrimeAnthony Lamont went to The Charles Dickens in Broadstairs, Kent, where he ate a meal and several drinks to the value of £89.45, but then left without paying his bill18:39, 23 Jul 2026Updated 18:49, 23 Jul 2026A serial dine-and-dash offender has been jailed after running up an £89.45 food and drink bill at a seafront pub before admitting he had no way to pay.‌Anthony Lamont was served the meal at The Charles Dickens in Broadstairs, Kent, on July 16, but then told staff he had no means to pay for the fare. The 45-year-old claimed he had no money but said he had texted his girlfriend to come and settle the tab.‌Staff were unconvinced by his explanation and contacted police, who arrested him shortly before 5pm. It emerged it was the third time Lamont had been caught making off without payment.‌The offender was jailed for two weeks at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Saturday after he pleaded guilty to making off without payment.Kent Police said Lamont, of no fixed address, had also downed nine pints, three double vodkas and ate a bowl of chips at The Royal Hotel in Deal on June 17, 2024. The bill at this establishment came to £95.80.‌He attempted to persuade staff to charge the cost to a friend he claimed was staying at the hotel. However, checks revealed no booking or record of the person ever checking in. Hotel staff prevented Lamont from leaving until officers arrived and arrested him.The incident came while he was already serving a suspended sentence for an almost identical offence committed just five days earlier at Don Vincenzo in Rochester.On that occasion, Lamont ate seafood linguine and drank Jack Daniel's before attempting to leave without paying a £100 bill. CCTV footage captured the moment police arrested him at the restaurant.‌Following the latest offence in Broadstairs, officers again attended the scene and arrested Lamont. He was charged the following day with making off without payment.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.Article continues below"We work closely with retailers and hospitality venues so that offenders can be held accountable, sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Kent."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Kent PoliceCrimePrison sentenceRestaurantsPubs