Reading Magistrates' Court: Newbury fraudster defies court orders

A DRUG addicted fraudster has narrowly swerved an immediate prison sentence after flouting court orders.

Colin Black admitted failing to turn up for a drug rehabilitation appointment when he appeared at Reading Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 11.

The 28-year-old, of Oakley Road, Newbury, had previously been convicted of theft and of using stolen credit cards to buy goods.

Specifically, he used a stolen credit card at Theale to cheat someone out of £46 and of stealing a handbag and contents belonging to Jasmine Brace at the Mercure Newbury West Grange Hotel.

In addition, he was convicted of messaging Kelly Hawkins at Kingsclere and attending her home on three occasions, plus phoning her and causing criminal damage, all of which which he was prohibited by court order from doing.

All the above offences were committed between June and October last year.

At the latest hearing magistrates were told how Mr Black had failed to comply with a community order imposed by Reading magistrates last November by failing to attend a drug rehabilitation requirement appointment on Tuesday, July 13.

For the breach, Mr Black was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

In addition, he was ordered to pay £60 costs.