Three people have been charged with begging and weapon offences following a police crack down on suspected begging in the town centre. 

Christopher Evans, aged 40, of Broad Street, Reading, pleaded guilty to one count of begging in a public place in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 30. He was ordered to pay a surcharge of £26.00. 

Leanne Mitchell, aged 31 and also of Broad Street, Reading, was charged on Thursday, August 22, with one count of begging in a public place. She has since been bailed to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 11. 

Jamie Flitter, aged 39, also of Broad Street, Reading, was charged on the same day with one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He has since been bailed.