What to Know
In 2026, whether we want to believe it or not, someone is always watching us. Many businesses use closed-circuit television surveillance cameras to protect guests, employees, and assets. Nearly every adult has a smartphone in their pocket, so those who behave badly will likely get caught.
A man in Australia reportedly tried to get out of paying for his dinner at an expensive restaurant by claiming a screw on the table injured his baby. When staff looked at surveillance footage after he left, they allegedly found something disturbing.
The man reportedly took his child to an Australian hot spot.
Sydney: British man injures 1-year-old daughter with screw to get free meal at Chinese restaurant Mr Wong https://t.co/2y3YtoR9VE #News
— The Right News, Right Now. (@BradPorcellato) July 1, 2026
According to The Daily Telegraph, the man, a British National, and his 1-year-old daughter dined at Mr. Wong, an iconic Cantonese restaurant in Sydney on June 21, 2026. While there, the 24-year-old dad claimed his daughter became injured by a faulty highchair. He reportedly complained to staff that a screw hurt the toddler and made her cry. The restaurant waived his bill, equivalent to $67.
Staff thought something felt off about the man’s claims.
Although staff initially took the unidentified father at his word, they reviewed the restaurant’s CCTV footage and saw something strange. The child did get injured by the screw, but not on her own. Her father allegedly pushed the screw into her leg until she started to cry. The realization led police to pursue the man and get his side of the story.
Per People, New South Wales Police found the man at an RV park in Narrabeen, a Sydney suburb, around 2:30 p.m. the following day. NSW Police confirmed to People that officers arrested the father and took him to the Manly Police Station. He now faces charges of domestic violence-related common assault and dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.
The story infuriated readers.
WKRC-TV posted the story on Facebook, and it ignited a firestorm in the comments. People couldn’t believe a father would stoop so low just to avoid paying for his meal.
“Welcome to another segment of: CHILDREN at the MERCY of MANIACS!” Someone commented
The story made people sad for the innocent baby. Like this person who commented, “Thank goodness the restaurant had video! Hopefully, they will be saving this young baby from a lifetime of abuse by this man,” they wrote. “And honestly, even if the restaurant had been at fault, like if there had been something wrong for me with the high chair , shouldn’t parents be inspecting the high chair was some basic check out of the equipment before they put their kiddo in it? It will be interesting to know if this man has done this at other restaurants and places!”
Some shared their own stories of shady parents.
“Reminds me of when I was 14 and we had gotten Wendy’s. One of those large thick bread ties was in my burger, I bit on it and detected it so I wasn’t hurt. But my dad wanted free food or a refund so he took the breadtie and used it to slice open the inside of my cheek. They refunded only my burger, that I couldn’t even eat after my dad had cut my mouth. He’s dead now for all I know,” a comment reads.
This person brought up a good point. “You have to wonder what is happening at home where there are no outsider eyes,” they wrote.
It’s unclear what happened to his child or if her injuries required medical attention.
READ NEXT: The Parenting Tool Helping Families Feel Safer Every Day
