Reading Magistrates' Court: Thatcham champagne thief admits assault

A CHAMPAGNE and high end clothing thief is awaiting sentencing for shoplifting and assault.

In the dock at Reading Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, June 14, was Michael Gibson.

The 41-year-old, of Orchard Court, off Turners Drive, Thatcham, admitted stealing Bollinger bubbly worth £402 from Waitrose in Thatcham on Thursday, March 3.

He also admitted assaulting Sean Shiels by beating him in Newbury on Sunday, February 27.

Mr Gibson further pleaded guilty to stealing luxury branded clothing worth £310 from Camp Hopson in Newbury on Thursday, February 24, and shoplifting £188 worth of Champagne from a Bracknell store on Thursday, March 17.

Magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports to be prepared on an 'all options' basis, including custody.

Mr Gibson was meanwhile released on conditional bail.