THE following cases were heard at Reading Magistrates’ Court:

February 16:
LEONARDO SCALEMBRA, 18, of Belmont Road, Reading, admitted stealing two Dewalt power drills worth £228 from B&Q in Reading on September 12, 2020. Given a conditional discharge for 12 months. Also ordered to pay £22 victim surcharge.

READ MORE: The latest Reading residents in the dock

CRAIG CRIPPS, 36, of no fixed abode, admitted three charges of persistently begging in Church Street, Reading, on  July 19, 2020, July 29, 2020, and August 8, 2020, having previously been convicted of the same offence. Fined £300. Also ordered to pay £34 victim surcharge. 

MICHAEL RATTLEY, 58, of David Smith Court, Reading, admitted assault by beating in Reading on January 2, 2021. Given a conditional discharge for 12 months. Ordered to pay £50 compensation. Also ordered to pay £22 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

READ MORE: Five key crime stories from across Berkshire

FABIO MEIRELES, 34, of Goldsmith Road, Reading, convicted of sending communications conveying a threatening message in Reading on January 26, 2020, namely a telephone call to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient. Made subject of a restraining order. Fined £120. Also ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge and £770 court costs.

February 17:
KASHIF CHOWDERY, 41, of Piercefield, Reading, admitted possession of class B drug cannabis in Reading on December 16, 2020, and admitted failing to cooperate with a preliminary test namely a road side drugs test in Reading on December 16, 2020. Fined £160. Also ordered to pay £34 victim surcharge and £85 court costs. Four points added to driving licence.

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.