A father has been charged in Sydney after allegedly using a screw to injure his one-year-old daughter as part of a scheme to get his restaurant meal refunded. The 24-year-old British national, who cannot be legally named, took his child to the Cantonese restaurant Mr Wong in the city's CBD on June 21.
According to police, the man complained to staff that the high chair his daughter was in had caused an injury that brought her to tears. His $97 bill was subsequently waived, and the pair left the establishment.
Restaurant staff later reviewed CCTV footage of the incident and contacted the police. Officers who viewed the vision will allege in court that the man removed a screw from the high chair and pressed it into the child's leg, causing her to cry.
Police located the man at a caravan park in Narrabeen on Monday and took him into custody. Sources suggest the man may use aliases and is associated with a group known as 'Travellers,' who move between the UK and Australia and often reside in caravans.
Following his arrest, he was transported to Manly Police Station. He has been charged with domestic violence-related common assault and dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception. He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on July 15. A spokesperson for Mr Wong declined to comment on the matter, citing that it is before the courts.