The following cases were heard at Reading Magistrates’ Court

November 12:

Zeke Jaylano Sylvan Allen, 18, of Caroline Court, Reading, admitted to being in possession of a controlled drug of Class B, namely cannabis, and driving a motor vehicle when the proportion of a controlled drug exceeded the specified limit. He was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 12 months and fined £100. An order was made by the court for the destruction of the drugs and he was ordered to pay a surcharge of £30.

Aaron Lee Clare, 30, of Lexington Grove, Reading, admitted to driving while disqualified and without third-party insurance. He was committed to prison for seven days and was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for four months. He was also made to pay a surcharge of £115.

November 13:

Joshua Thomas Oliver, 21, of no fixed abode, admitted to theft from a shop, namely stealing a hairdryer to the value of £99 and cosmetics to the value of £55 belonging to Boots. He received a conditional discharge for two years and was ordered to pay compensation of £154. He was also made to pay a surcharge of £20.

Syed Shah, 44, of Wrenswood Close, Reading, admitted to assault by beating and received a community order. He will be required to take part in a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 30 days and the court imposed a restraining order. He was also made to pay costs and a surcharge totalling £170.

Jamie Charles Alborough, 30, of Shepton Street, Reading, denied breaching a restraining order and was convicted after a summary trial. He was fined £100, ordered to pay costs of £150 and a surcharge of £30.

November 14:

Tracy Michelle Jones, 46, of Burbridge Close, Calcot, admitted to theft from a shop, namely stealing alcohol to the value of £119.50 belonging to Tesco. She received a conditional discharge for 12 months. She was also made to pay a surcharge of £20.

Nash Belchior, 35, of Highgrove, Reading, denied assault by beating and was convicted after trial. He also admitted to failing without reasonable cause to surrender to custody at Reading Magistrates’ Court, having been released on bail during criminal proceedings. He was fined £150 ordered to pay costs of £300 and £100 in compensation.

Brian Francis Austin, 64, Lowfield Road, Caversham, admitted to drink-driving and was fined £300. He was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 18 months and he was ordered to pay costs totalling £115.

Emily Boyce, 22, of Fairview Avenue, Earley, admitted to drink-driving and was fined £250. She was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 12 months and she was ordered to pay costs totalling £115.

November 15:

Brian Charles Gough, 72, of Rotherfield Close, Theale, denied three counts of deliberately exposing his genitals intending that someone would see them and be caused alarm or distress. He was found guilty after trial and received a community order. He will be required to take part in a Programmed Requirement for 30 days and a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 10 days. He was ordered to pay costs of £750 and pay compensation of £100. He will also be required to register with the police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for five years.

Keith Dirk Young, 40, of Brackendene Close, Woodley, failed to comply with a notification requirement as part of the sex offenders register. He was committed to prison for 24 weeks, suspended for two years and he will be required to take part in a Programmed Requirement for 30 days. He must also take part in a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 15 days and he was ordered to pay costs totalling £200.

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 is 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.