The following cases were heard at Reading and Slough Magistrates’ Court 

September 24:

Thomas Alan Butler, 34, of Lemon Street, Cornwall, admitted to stealing bottles of alcohol from a shop in Bracknell to the value of £215 and failing without reasonable cause to surrender to custody. He received a conditional discharge for 18 months and he was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £20.

Samreen Islam, 38, of Martin Road, Slough, admitted to speeding on North Street, Winkfield, and was fined £246. She also had her driving licence endorsed with four penalty points and was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £30.

Connor Murray, 18, of Hatchett Road, Feltham, admitted to stealing pedal cycles and receiving stolen goods. A community order was made and he must carry out 90 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £50 and a surcharge of £85.

Ashby George, 43, of Winwood Close, Windsor, admitted to drink driving, using a motor vehicle in a public place without third-party insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence in Bracknell. He was fined £120 and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 17 months. He must also pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £30.

September 25:

Jack Frank Mitchell, 25, of Addlestone Moor, Surrey, denied assaulting a constable in the execution of his/her duty at Royal Ascot. He was convicted of the offence and fined £1,050. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £100, costs of £650 and a surcharge of £105.

September 27:

Nichola Ann Cole, 39, of no fixed abode, admitted to carrying a bladed article in a public place, namely two death stars. She was committed to prison for 12 weeks, suspended for 12 months. She was asked to pay costs of £100 and a surcharge of £85. An order was made by the court for the destruction of the death stars.

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