Ex-Solicitor and Partner Wanted for Multiple "Dine and Dash" Incidents
Former solicitor Kerry Ann Stevens and partner Daniel Alani are sought by Essex Police for failing to pay restaurant bills and taxi fares. The couple skipped bail after a May arrest for a £62 unpaid meal.
Essex Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Kerry Ann Stevens and Daniel Alani, both 38, in connection with multiple incidents of failing to pay for restaurant meals and taxi services. The couple, who were arrested in May 2024, failed to appear for their scheduled bail hearing in late July.
The pair's recent legal troubles stem from an incident at The Castle Inn in Little Wakering, Essex. They allegedly consumed a meal valued at £62.20, including prawn cocktail starters, roast chicken dinners, and various beverages, before departing without settling the bill. This practice, commonly known as "dining and dashing," is a form of theft of restaurant services.
Ken Todd, the 76-year-old landlord of The Castle Inn, expressed his frustration with the situation:
"For the sake of £62, if they came in and were starving I'd just give them the food."
Todd also described the couple's alleged attempt to flee, with the man trying to exit through a locked back door and the woman reportedly attempting to escape via the bathroom window.
This incident is not isolated, as Stevens has a history of similar behavior. In March 2024, she was disbarred from practicing law following a hearing by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The disbarment stemmed from a January 2021 incident where Stevens ordered £43.47 worth of food from a kebab shop via the Just Eat app and refused to pay upon delivery, claiming her boyfriend had already paid online.
The Essex Police have provided descriptions of the suspects to aid in their apprehension. Alani is described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a stocky build, while Stevens is around 5 feet tall with a small build. They are believed to have connections to the Southend and Great Wakering areas.
This case highlights the serious consequences of "dining and dashing," which can lead to criminal charges and, for professionals like Stevens, the loss of one's career. The Solicitors Regulation Authority, which oversees solicitors in England and Wales, takes such misconduct seriously, as evidenced by Stevens' disbarment.
As the search continues, the public is urged to contact Essex Police with any information regarding the whereabouts of Stevens and Alani. The authorities are keen to resolve these ongoing investigations and bring closure to the affected businesses.
