The following cases were heard at Reading Magistrates’ Court:

October 9:

PAUL SANDHU, 30, of Southampton Street, Reading, admitted to stalking between March 31, 2017 and December 4, 2018, by making unwanted calls and texts, and messages via Facebook from four different accounts. The stalking also included going to the victim’s home, knocking on a downstairs window, and making false allegations of being stabbed. Given a community order to comply with rehabilitation activity and must carry out 70 hours unpaid work. Also made subject to a restraining order. Must pay £85 victim surcharge and £600 court costs.

October 11:

JOSHUA DODD, 22, of Virginia Way, Reading, admitted failing to comply with supervision requirements after release from prison. Sentenced to seven days in prison.

RODNEY MENDEZ, 49, of no fixed abode, admitted failing to surrender to custody at Reading Magistrates’ Court while on bail on September 30. Fined £50 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge

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CHARLES COOKE, 24, of Amerhsam Road, Caversham in Reading, admitted assaulting a paramedic in Reading on March 21. Given a community order to comply with drug rehabilitation activity. Also ordered to pay £150 compensation.

SHAUN BASDEN, 48, of Brixham Road, Reading, admitted stealing a bottle of champagne worth £29.50 from a BP Garage in Reading on October 6. Ordered to pay £29.50 compensation.

CAMERON MORRIS, 27, of no fixed abode, admitted stealing a juice burst orange flavoured drink worth £1.99 from WHSmith in Reading on January 31. Also admitted being without a train ticket at Reading Railway Station on January 31, and failed to surrender to Reading Magistrates’ Court while on bail on February 20. Given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £20 victim surcharge, plus £85 court costs.

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RICHARD AUGUSTUS, 35, of Red cottage Drive, Calcot in Reading, admitted drug-driving in Lower Earley Way on October 26, 2018. Found to have cocaine in his blood. Fined £405 and ordered to pay £40 victim surcharge, plus £1,500 court costs. Disqualified from driving for 14 months.

ASIF FAROOQ, 43, of Kensington Road, Reading, admitted stealing two handbags worth £60 from New Look in Reading on June 11. Also admitted stealing three jackets worth £98.97 from New Look on July 15 in Reading. Admitted stealing two handbags worth £130 from Hotter in Reading on July 17. Admitted stealing three handbags worth £163 from Hotter in Reading on July 19. Also admitted failing to comply with a community protection notice banning him from Broad Street Mall on June 11, and July 15. Also admitted failing to comply with a community protection notice banning him from Broad Street on July 17, July 19 and July 20. Given a community order to comply with drug rehabilitation requirements and rehabilitation activity. Also ordered to pay £451.97 compensation.

ANDREW SCOTT, 53, of Whitchurch Road, Pangbourne, West Berkshire, admitted drink-driving on Horseshoe Road, Pangbourne. on July 1. Found to have 214mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, the legal limit being 80mg. Fined £200 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge, plus £85 court costs. Disqualified from driving for 24 months.

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ANDREW SETCHELL, 36, of Elm Park Road, Reading, convicted of assault by beating in Reading on October 3. Given a community order and must comply with 80 hours unpaid work. Ordered to pay £60 compensation and £85 victim surcharge, plus £775 court costs.

RIA BRIDGEMAN, 38, of Kersey Crescent, Speen in Newbury, convicted of assault by beating in Hermitage on December 8, 2018. Also convicted of two further charges of assault by beating in Hermitage on December 8, 2018. Sentenced to prison for 24 weeks suspended for 12 months. Also banned from the Fox Inn in Newbury for two years and must undertake 250 hours of unpaid work. Also ordered to pay £272 compensation and £800 court costs.

A fundamental principle of justice is that it must be seen to be done. The principle of 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.