Hungerford businessman Hugo Scott-Russell banned from The Three Swans and The Plume while awaiting sentence for multiple offences
A businessman awaiting sentence for causing trouble in Hungerford High Street has been banned from town centre bars meanwhile.
As well as being forbidden to enter The Three Swans, Hugo Scott-Russell is prohibited from contacting publicans at The Plume nearby, Robert ‘Fluey’ Hall and his wife Diane Hall.
Thirty-seven-year-old Scott-Russell, who lives in Park Street, Hungerford, appeared in the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, January 29, wearing a blue pullover and grey trousers.
He had been due to be sentenced for using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour which put the general manager of The Three Swans, Donna Shaw, in fear of violence, and for using threatening or disorderly behaviour.
Scott-Russell had initially denied both offences, which happened in Hungerford on December 12, 2023 – but he subsequently changed his pleas and admitted them.
But at Wednesday’s hearing Mason Waker, defending, said an up-to-date pre-sentence report had not been completed.
He pointed out, too, that his client was also awaiting sentencing on more serious matters at the crown court.
That was a reference to an admission by Scott-Russell, a former employee at Garden Art in Hungerford, to having driven an Audi Q3 dangerously on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 near Bradfield on November 10 last year.
An accident ensued in which another person, Andrew Grove, was injured.
Scott-Russell was further convicted of failing to stop after the accident.
At Wednesday’s hearing a probation officer told the court: “A report was done for the crown court; there was to be an addendum for here but he [Scott-Russell] was in rehab and we didn’t know his whereabouts.”
Mr Waker confirmed: “An addendum is also being prepared for the crown court as well, due to new developments.”
Lisa Much, prosecuting, told magistrates: “This case will have to follow the crown court [sentencing].”
Magistrates therefore agreed to adjourn sentencing again, this time until next month.
Scott-Russell was meanwhile released on bail on the same conditions as previously.
In 2021, Scott-Russell was a partner in The Blanchard Collective, a group of specialist dealers in antiques, furniture and decorative items, which was bought by the directors of Hungerford’s Garden Art Plus Ltd, Travers and Katie Nettleton.
He had resigned as a director in 2019.