Reading Magistrates’ Court: Alleged drug gang from Newbury and Thatcham locked up

THREE people from West Berkshire have been sent to the crown court, in custody, accused of being part of a drugs gang.

A fourth, from West London, was also remanded in custody.

In the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, May 25, were Bryony Hallum, Alicia Fletcher, Vinay Pabari and Shehan Samarawickrama.

Ms Hallum, aged 21, lives in Tadham Place, Thatcham; Ms Fletcher, aged 22, lives in Kingman Way, Newbury; Mr Pabari, aged 23, also lives in Kingman Way, Newbury, and Mr Samarawickrama lives in Sark Close, Hounslow, West London.

All four are accused of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and cannabis.

Cocaine is a Class A-controlled drug while the other substances are Class B-controlled drugs.

All the above offences were said to have been committed in Newbury between September 2, 2021, and Thursday, May 24.

District judge Samuel Goozee sent all the above matters to be dealt with by a judge and, in the event of a trial, by a jury at Reading Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

He meanwhile refused bail and all four defendants were remanded in custody.