The following cases were heard at Reading or Slough Magistrates’ Courts:

November 15

DAVID WATSON, 59, of Grovelands Avenue, Winnersh, Wokingham, admitted driving a Ford Focus in Observer Way, Reading, on October 21, 2022, after consuming enough alcohol to produce 75 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mcg. Fined £600. Disqualified for 17 months. Must pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £240.

DIPENA GURUNG, 32, Sand Hill, Farnborough, Hampshire, admitted drink-driving a Mercedes Benz in Mereoak Lane, Grazeley, Wokingham, on October 22, 2022, having consumed enough alcohol to produce 62 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the prescribed limit of 35mcg. Fined £350. Disqualified from driving for 16 months. Must pay £85 in costs and a £140 surcharge.

DANIELLE DEVERELL, 34, of Stoke Road, Slough, Berkshire, admitted drink-driving a Peugeot in South Hill Road, Bracknell, on October 23, 2022, having consumed enough alcohol to produce 51 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the prescribed legal limit of 35mcg. Fined £93. Disqualified from driving for 12 months. Must pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £37.

ALAN MURRY, 63, of Oaktree Avenue, Crookham Common, Thatcham, admitted being in charge of a Vauxhall Astra in Old Thornford Park Road, Crookham Common, on October 22, 2022, after consuming enough alcohol to produce 87 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the prescribed legal limit of 35mcg. Fined £350. Disqualified from driving for 12 months. Must pay £85 in costs and a £140 victim surcharge.

JAI CHASTON, 33, of Lansdowne Avenue, Slough, admitted sending threatening text messages on November 12, 2022, in Slough, while already subject to a community order. Sentenced to six months in prison.

November 16

GHEORGHE DUMITRU, 36, of Boston Avenue, Reading, admitted assault by beating on April 24, 2022 in Reading. Must undertake 40 hours unpaid work and participate in rehabilitation appointments for up to a maximum of 15 days. Ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £95.

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.