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

January 20

MUDIT SHARMA, 42, of Waterloo Crescent in Wokingham, convicted of dangerous driving on the A329M in Bracknell on July 23, 2022. Also convicted of failing to provide a specimen for analysis at Loddon Valley Police Station on the same date. Ordered to pay £350 court costs and £114 victim surcharge. Disqualified from driving for 24 months and ordered to undertake 160 hours of unpaid work. Must also comply with electronic tag monitoring with a curfew.

JACK HART, 24, of Hazel Crescent, Reading, convicted of burglary other than a dwelling namely behind the counter at Argos, Forbury Retail Park, having stolen a Play Station 5 worth £539.99 on December 9. Also convicted of stealing an electric scooter worth £389.99 from Decathlon in Reading on December 11, 2022. Given a community order to comply with rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work. Ordered to pay £539.99 compensation. Must also pay £114 victim surcharge.

TIMOTHY CLARKE, 27, of Grenfell Road, Maidenhead, convicted of stealing two bottles of Captain Morgans alcohol worth £36 from Sainsbury’s in Maidenhead on December 6, 2022. Given a community order to comply with rehabilitation activity and ordered to pay £85 court costs.

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.