Richard Lees in custody following Newbury town centre mayhem

A MAN has been locked up following violent public disorder in a town centre.

Some of Richard Lees’ latest offending was racially motivated and he has previous convictions for menacing people.

On Tuesday, August 20, police received multiple reports of a man creating mayhem in Newbury town centre.

Officers responded and 50-year-old Lees was quickly arrested.

Members of the Newbury Incident and Crime Response (ICR) team then worked together with neighbourhood officers to formulate multiple charges.

On Thursday, August 22, Lees appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court where he was convicted of four racially aggravated public order offences, five straightforward public order offences and one count of assault by beating.

Magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

Lees was meanwhile denied bail and was remanded in custody.

Deputy local police area commander, Ch Insp David Whiteaker, said after the hearing: “Thames Valley Police will not tolerate racism and public disorder.”