A man has been sentenced to six months in prison for leaving a restaurant without paying the bill. The case highlights the legal consequences of fraudulent dining practices.
A Magistrates’ Court in Jos sentenced a 38-year-old sales representative to six months in prison on Friday for leaving without paying for the food and drinks he had consumed at a local restaurant.
The sentence was issued by magistrate Shawomi Bokkos after the defendant pleaded guilty.
In the ruling, Bokkos permitted a reduction of the prison term to three months if a N10,000 fine was paid.
Furthermore, he required the convict to pay N23,500 in restitution to the restaurant owner. If this amount is not paid, it would result in an alternative three-month jail term.
Prosecutor Inspector Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that the incident took place on August 27 and was reported by Charles Nentok, the owner of the restaurant, to the “A” Division Police Station. According to Gokwat, the defendant ordered food and several drinks totaling N23,500 but tried to leave without paying. He was then caught and taken to the station.
The offense is regarded as a violation under the Plateau State Penal Code Law.
