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

May 30

BRENDAN BANHAM, 19, of Carters Hill Park, Binfield, admitted possession of a weapon for the discharge of electrical incapacitation, namely a stun gun capable of emitting high voltage, low current electric pulses, in Newbury on November 20, 2020. Also admitted to possession of cannabis in Newbury in November 20, 2020. Committed to prison for 20 weeks suspended for 12 months due to severity of the offence. Ordered to pay £128 victim surcharge and £200 in court costs. Stun gun and cannabis ordered to be destroyed. 

June 1

CLAYDON HEARD, 35, of Halewood, Bracknell, admitted breaching the requirements of a community order by failing to attend an appointment in November 2021. Committed to prison for 12 weeks due to ‘wilful and persistent failure to comply with the requirements of a community order.’

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.