Reading Judges scold criminals before sending them to jail

But what makes those sentences even more satisfying are the remarks of crown court judges sending the crooks to prison.

A number of defendants have faced both barrels from judges in Reading Crown Court over the past month.

Here are some of the most powerful put-downs heard from the courtroom over the past month.

‘Self-centred’

Richard Zarifeh stole £777,000 from Bracknell Toyota. Image via Thames Valley Police

Richard Zarafeh felt the wrath of Judge Kirsty Real when he appeared at Reading Crown Court convicted of fraud.

The 32-year-old, of Church Lane, Arborfield, was being sentenced after admitting to defrauding Jemca Toyota of £777,000 over two years.

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He funnelled the money to his own bank account in order to fund his gambling addiction.

Judge Real said: “You do come across as having a self-centred attitude. You didn’t have to offend, you could have chosen to seek help sooner.”

He was sentenced to three years and ten months behind bars on Friday, April 30.

‘Grave’

Trevor Smith,from Windsor. Image via TVP.

Paedophile Trevor Smith was condemned by Judge Edward Burgess for causing two people “additional trauma” by forcing a trial over allegations of sexual abuse.

Smith, formerly of Dedworth Road, Windsor, was convicted of raping and sexually abusing a girl and a boy between 15 and 30 years ago.

Judge Burgess scolded Smith for the “grave” ways he “systematically” abused the boy, which included rape and sexual assault.

“Your abuse of him tragically became part of his formative life”, Judge Burgess said.

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“The effects have been profound and life changing.

“There is no doubt you have caused him severe psychological harm.”

Smith was sentenced to 21 years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, May 19.

‘History of dishonesty’

Michael Walker. Image via TVP

Fraudster Michael Walker came under the microscope at his sentencing at Reading Crown Court on Friday, May 21.

The Slough 59-year-old was in the dock for scamming a couple out of £26,000 after he failed to deliver on promises for a new home and a holiday.

Sentencing, Judge Sarah Campbell said Walker provided a “series of excuses” as to why his promises did not come true, including lying about a fake cancer diagnosis which supposedly prevented him from booking the skiing trip.

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She said his crimes were “despicable” and “appalling”.

The Judge added: “You had a long history of dishonesty. You saw an opportunity to take advantage and better your own situation.”

Walker will stay behind bars for four years and nine months.

‘A dangerous bully’

George O’Dell, of Horatio Avenue, Warfield broke his partner’s tooth when he threw a lighter at her in June 2020.

This was one of a number of attacks he launched on his partner throughout their relationship.

The 29-year-old also headbutted her twice in a car, “rugby tackled” her to the ground and sprayed de-icer at her after she told him their relationship was over.

Appearing at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, May 13, Judge Emma Nott told him: “You didn’t love and respect her. You blame her and see yourself as a victim in all this.

“You are a dangerous bully who can turn on the charm.”

O’Dell will serve three years in jail.

‘Serious risk to the public’

Ruban Butt. Image via TVP

Ruban Butt was one of a gang of five who were sentenced for kidnapping and falsely imprisoning a man in Slough in August 2020.

The man, who was threatened with a machete and was told his eyes would be gouged out, said he thought he was ‘going to die’ during the kidnap.

He was let go unharmed, but Judge Norton was unhappy with Mr Butt’s actions on the night.

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She said: “Though you were initially motivated by revenge, you were more motivated by the hope of personal financial gain more than anything else.”

“You are clearly someone who requires careful monitoring and intensive intervention for a considerable period of time.”

Having also sentenced him for a separate ‘wounding with intent’ offence, Judge Norton said Butt posed a “serious risk to members of the public”.

He was sentenced to seven years and two months behind bars at Reading Crown Court on Monday, May 24.