The following cases were heard at Reading Magistrates’ Court

February 4:

Paul Andrew Nicola, 54, of no fixed abode, admitted to burglary other than dwelling and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000. He received a community order and he must take part in a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 12 days. He was ordered to pay compensation of £240.19, costs of £200 and a surcharge of £85.

Claudio Cordomeanu, 24, of Austen Gardens, Newbury, admitted to failing to comply with the requirements of a community order made by Reading Magistrates’ Court by failing to complete an unpaid work requirement. The order was varied and an additional 10 hours were added, meaning he will now have to complete 160 hours of unpaid work. He was also made to pay costs of £60.

Mary Gaza, 44, of London Road, Reading, admitted to drink-driving and was fined £100. She was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 36 months and she was ordered to pay a surcharge of £30.

February 5:

Mark Adams, 47, of Valentia Road, Tilehurst, admitted to common assault and received a community order. He must take part in a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 15 days. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £85.

Terrance Stanley Taylor, 56, of Grovenor Road, Reading, admitted to theft from a shop, namely stealing bottles of alcohol to the value of £120 belonging to J. Sainsbury’s PLC and received a community order. He must take part in a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for a maximum of 15 days. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £120 and a surcharge of £85.

February 6:

Susan Ditchburn, 64, of Peartree Walk, Spencers Wood, admitted to drink-driving and was fined £380. She was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 16 months and she was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £38.

Robert William Wharton, 28, of Zinzan Street, Reading, admitted to drink-driving and was fined £200. He was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for three years and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £30.

Tamika Janet Williams, 34, of Willow Street, Reading, admitted to possession of a controlled drug of Class A, namely cocaine, and commission of a further offence whilst subject to a conditional discharge order. She was fined £40 and made to pay a surcharge of £30. An order was made by the court for the destruction of the drugs.

February 7:

Luka Djakovic, 55, of Oxford Road, Reading, admitted to making a false statement with a view to obtaining a benefit, advantage or other payment, namely Job Seekers Allowance. A community order was made and they must complete 40 hours of unpaid work, while paying costs of £170.

Dirtan Langa, 36, of Argyle Road, Reading, admitted to criminal damage to property valued under £5,000 and received a conditional discharge of 12 months. He was ordered to pay compensation of £200, costs of £85 and a surcharge of £20.

February 8:

Zara Louise McDowell, 33, of Bere House, Southcote, admitted to breaching a restraining order on conviction and was committed to prison for a total of 10 weeks. She was also ordered to pay costs of £115 and a surcharge of £85.

Zeke Jaylano Sylvan Allen, 18, of Caroline Court, Reading, admitted to carrying a blade or sharply-pointed article in a public place. He was committed to prison for six months and ordered to pay a surcharge of £115.

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.

The 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.