Homeless man accused of £2,000 ‘dine and dash’ at 5-star Dorchester Hotel

A homeless man accused of shirking the bill after enjoying a lavish meal at one of London’s most prestigious hotels has appeared in court.

Mikko Luistinen, 58, is said to have tucked into a sumptuous meal with wine worth £1,936 at the five-star Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, in May 2022 with no intention of paying.

Staff called the police, and he was arrested but then failed to appear in court after being granted bail.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was finally arrested earlier this month.

Wearing a green jumper with matching trousers, Luistinen spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

But a Finnish interpreter was not available to assist him and the case had to be put back.

District Judge Briony Clarke said she was ‘very sorry’ the court had again been able to find an interpreter.

The matter was adjourned again until Tuesday 22 April for a Finnish interpreter to appear via videolink.

Luistinen, of no fixed address, is accused of obtaining services dishonestly and failing to surrender to custody.

He remains remanded in custody.

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