WE HAVE rounded up the five most popular crime-related stories that took place in Reading this week.

1. Huge haul of cannabis seized as forensics scour house

Reading Chronicle:

A CANNABIS factory has been discovered in Caversham after forensics teams were spotted scouring a home.

Neighbours reported seeing a large police presence in the area and a scene watch remains in place today (June 3).

For the full story, click here.

2. Trial date set for man accused of murdering one-month-old baby

Reading Chronicle:

A date has been set for the trial of a man charged with murdering a one-month-old baby who suffered more than 45 bone fractures following incidents in May 2020. 

James Lawton, of Boreham Field, Warminster, Wiltshire, is expected in the dock from November 1. 

For the full story, click here.

3. Masked man in pink gloves threatens betting shop staff 'at gunpoint'

Reading Chronicle:

A MAN in pink gloves and a balaclava robbed a betting shop with a suspected gun in Reading recently, prompting a police witness appeal.

At around 3.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31, reports of a man entering Betfred, Coronation Square, Reading came to Thames Valley Police after he raised what was believed to be a gun to at the cashier, demanding money from the till.

For the full story, click here.

4. The face of the rapist who 'ruined' a cleaner's life in a few 'mad minutes'

Reading Chronicle:

A CLEANER’S life was ‘ruined’ after a Reading man ‘took advantage' of her and raped her earlier this year.

Dorin Manolache, of Wantage Road, Reading, will serve six years behind bars for his crime.

For the full story, click here.

5. The dozen criminals locked up for more than 50 years at court last week

Reading Chronicle:

A DOZEN criminals were sentenced to more than 54 years in prison at Reading Crown Court last week.

Judges handed out jail terms to criminals who had committed sex offences, burglaries and a kidnapping.

For the full story, click here.