Australian Lawyer Fined in Kong for Dine-and-Dash at Restaurant, Massage Parlour
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Australian Lawyer Fined in Kong for Dine-and-Dash at Restaurant, Massage Parlour
- Samuel Anthony Monkivitch, 50-year-old Australian, was fined HK$,000 (about US$383) after bills totaling around HK$1,200 at two venues.
- Monkivitch pleaded guilty Thursday at Eastern Court in Hong Kong to two counts of making off without payment one count of common assault.
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A 50-year-old Australian lawyer Samuel Anthony Monkivitch has been fined HK$,000 (US$383) by a Hong Kong court after admitting to skipping out on bills at a restaurant and a massage parlour without paying, in a case that highlights petty crime enforcement in the city.
The incidents occurred in Hong Kong, where Monkivitch faced charges at Eastern Court. He pleaded guilty to two counts of making off without payment—totaling approximately HK$1,200—and one count of common assault. The first incident involved failing to pay a restaurant bill, while the second was at a massage parlour, according to court proceedings on Thursday.
Making off without payment, often called “dine-and-dash” or “bolt-and-bill,” is a common misdemeanor in Hong Kong under the Theft Ordinance. Offenders who leave premises with intent to avoid payment face fines or imprisonment up to three months for first offenses. Courts typically impose fines for minor amounts like this, especially with guilty pleas, as seen in similar cases where fines range from HK$1,000 to HK$5,000.
Monkivitch, identified as a lawyer from Australia, did not contest the charges, leading to a swift resolution. The common assault charge likely stemmed from an altercation during one of the incidents, though specifics remain limited to court records. No jail time was imposed, reflecting the relatively low value of the unpaid amounts and his cooperation.
This case underscores Hong Kong’s strict handling of such infractions amid a bustling tourism and hospitality sector. In 2023, police reported over 1,200 similar “making off without payment” cases citywide, many involving foreigners, with fines averaging HK$2,500. Authorities emphasize surveillance footage and swift investigations to deter repeat offenses.
The fine was paid on the spot, closing the matter without further appeals as of the latest updates. (248 words)