UMVA has learned that a high‑profile footballer has walked into court amid a scandal that reads like a modern‑day heist thriller.
Michael Dome‑Bemwin, 29, stood before Westminster Magistrates’ Court accused of disappearing £3,500 in food and drink bills across London’s most upscale neighborhoods.
Between late January and late April, the centre‑forward allegedly left six tables unpaid in Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster, turning everyday dining into a series of daring “dine‑and‑dash” escapades.
His most audacious omission involved two shots of Yamazaki malt whiskey, each priced at a staggering £2,047, a charge that left the judge stunned and the courtroom buzzing.
Other unpaid sums include a £356.60 Acqua Panna still water and whisky combo, seven pints of lager totaling £70, and a £408.65 bill for fine‑dining fare in Westminster.
At two separate restaurants in Kensington and Chelsea, Dome‑Bemwin’s orders added up to £3,522.80, with separate tallies of £362.25 and £3,278.30 for food and drinks respectively.
District Judge Briony Clarke, visibly taken aback, remarked on the £2,000 whiskey bill: “I would have to make a note of that venue to make sure I don’t go… Remarkable!”
During the hearing, Dome‑Bemwin merely confirmed his identity and denied all six charges, offering no defense or explanation.
Defender Stuart Harris noted that the footballer “accepts presence, he has very little recollection of the incidents,” casting doubt on the player’s credibility.
The trial is set for December 7, with a stern warning from Ms. Clarke that missing the date could lead to proceedings in his absence.
Beyond the courtroom drama, Dome‑Bemwin’s career has spanned a mosaic of clubs, from National League side Braintree Town to Isthmian League Premier Division’s Brentwood Town, and further down the English football pyramid.
His latest stint at Greengate District places him in the 11th tier of the Essex Alliance Football League Senior Division, a far cry from the glittering scenes of his alleged misdemeanors.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the player’s legal woes have cast a long shadow over his future prospects, leaving fans and pundits alike to wonder whether redemption or downfall awaits.
