The following cases were heard at Reading and Slough Magistrates’ Courts:

September 24

STEVEN SCOTT, 47, of London Road, Wokingham, admitted 14 counts of theft from a shop between September 2019 and November 2020 in Bracknell, Wokingham and Reading. Stole items including more than 100 bars of Lindt chocolate, baby formula, cough mixture, alcohol and body spray. Also admitted possession of heroin in Wokingham on February 1, 2021. Committed to prison for five months suspended for 18 months due to prolific and persistent nature of offending. Must pay compensation of £1,324.45. Ordered to take part in up to 20 rehabilitation activity days. 

October 1

PAUL SANCHEZ, 32, of Firs Close, Finchampstead, admitted harassment in Wokingham between October 6, 2020, and November 30, 2020. Committed to prison for 18 weeks suspended for 18 months. Restraining order made barring contact with the victim. Must pay £228 in court fees. 

October 4

LUKE BURLING, 34 of High Street, Little Sandhurst, admitted failing to comply with the community requirement of a suspended sentence order on three occasions in July 2021. Original unpaid work requirements to continue. Must pay costs of £75. 

A fundamental principle of justice is that it must be seen to be done. Open justice is acclaimed on a number of grounds: as a safeguard against judicial error, to assist the deterrent function of criminal trials and to permit the revelation of matters of interest.