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

March 3:

DAVID JOHNSON, 18, of Molly Millars Lane, Wokingham, admitted possession of class B drug Ketamine in Wokingham on November 6, 2018. Also admitted possession of class B drug cannabis in Wokingham on February 7, 2019. Admitted possession with intent to supply class B drug cannabis in Wokingham on November 6, 2018. Given a community order including rehabilitation activity requirement and must undertake 80 hours unpaid work. Also ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

STEVEN PARKER, 47, of Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, admitted assault by beating in Wokingham on December 6, 2019. Fined £200 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge. Must also pay £85 court costs.

March 4:

MATTHEW HAY, 44, of Azalea Close, Winnersh in Wokingham, admitted drink-driving in Calver Close, Winnersh, on February 15, 2020. Found with 64mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mcg. Fined £120 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge. Must also pay £85 court costs. Disqualified from driving for 20 months.

March 5:

KRISTIAN PETROV, 32, of Babbage Way, Bracknell, admitted assault by beating in Bracknell on September 15, 2019. Also admitted common assault in Bracknell on September 15, 2019. Given a community order including rehabilitation activity requirements. Also fined £500 total, and ordered to pay £90 victim surcharge, plus £85 court costs.

March 6:

GEORGE LAWES, 24, of Sparrowhawk Way, Bracknell, admitted speeding on the M65, Lancashire, on May 20, 2019, exceeding the speed limit of 70mph. Fined £300, and ordered to pay £30 victim surcharge, plus £85 court costs. Driving record endorsed with six points.

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. 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.