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

January 7

FRANK FARRELL, 56, of The Ring, Bracknell, convicted of using an unlicensed vehicle, namely a Porsche, on New Bath Road, on December 2, 2020. The previous licence expired on 31/07/2020. The annual rate of duty at that time was £330.00. Fined £440, made to pay £137.50 in back duty, and ordered to pay court costs of £200. 

January 8

JAMIE LAVERICK, 46, of Ripplesmere, Harmanswater, Bracknell, admitted assault by beating, possession of a kitchen knife in a public place, and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a baton, in Bracknell on May 5, 2020. Committed to prison for 26 weeks suspended for 18 months due to ‘previous convictions for similar offences’ and offence was an ‘unprovoked attack’. Required to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. Must pay court fees of £278. 

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.