THE following cases appeared at Reading and Slough Magistrates' Court.

July 21:

GEORGE PETCU, 27, of Park Lane, Finchampstead, admitted drink-driving on the A327 in Arborfield on June 24, 2018. Found to have 57mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35mcg. Also admitted using a vehicle without the correct insurance in Arborfield on June 24, 2018, and admitted driving while disqualified on the same occasion in Arborfield. Also admitted failing to surrender to Reading Magistrates' Court on July 11, 2018, having been released on bail. Admitted driving while disqualified on March 4, 2018, in Kiln Ride, Finchampstead, and admitted using a vehicle without correct insurance on the same occasion. Admitted drink-driving in Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, on July 18, 2020. Found to have 81mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35mcg. Sentenced to 26 weeks of prison due to severity of offence and 'defendant has a flagrant disregard for court orders'. Also ordered to pay £115 victim surcharge. Disqualified from driving for 48 months.

ALSO READ: 10k holiday bid for mother-of-six battling terminal cancer to make memories

REUBEN REED, 37, of Church Road, Wokingham, admitted drink-driving in Shinfield Road, Reading, on May 9, 2020. Found to have 50mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit being 35mcg. Also admitted using a vehicle on the same occasion without the correct insurance on May 9, 2020. Also admitted two charges of using threatening or abusive of insulting words or behaviour to cause alarm or distress to a police officer in Berkshire on May 9, 2020, and admitted criminal damage to a police van on the same occasion. Sentenced to 8 week sin prison due to previous record. Also ordered to pay £128 victim surcharge. Disqualified from driving for four years.

A fundamental principle of open justice is that it must be seen to be done. It is established in the UK court cases should be heard in public.

ALSO READ: This pub could be YOURS (plus other quirky businesses for sale)

This principle of open justice is acclaimed on a number of grounds: as a safeguard against judicial error, as a deterrent to perjury, to assist the deterrent function of criminal trials and to permit the revelation of matters of public interest.