Richard Lees, 50, of Northway, Newbury jailed for six months after pleading guilty to seven counts of racially aggravated public order and one count of assault by beating

A Newbury man has been jailed after pleading guilty to seven counts of racially aggravated public order and one count of assault by beating.

Richard Lees, aged 50, of Northway appeared at a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 11.

He was subsequently jailed for six months and was issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in Newbury until November 20, 2027.

Under the terms of the CBO, Lees is prohibited from entering Newbury town centre as defined by the map below, other than to attend pre-arranged appointments with probation, court, council offices, job centre and solicitors or when a passenger on public transport passing through Newbury town centre.

He is also prohibited from consuming alcohol in any public place in Newbury and carrying any open container of alcohol in a public place in Newbury.

Should Lees fail to comply with the terms of the CBO, he would be liable to a term of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Inspector Alan Hawkett, of the Newbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Lees has displayed a course of behaviour which has caused considerable distress and upset in Newbury.

“I am pleased that he has been convicted and sent to prison for his offending, and that upon his release, he will have to comply with the CBO, which has been put in place to prevent further reoffending.

“Thames Valley Police will not tolerate aggressive and criminal behaviour that was displayed by Lees, and I hope that this outcome will reassure the local community that we will tackle such antisocial behaviour.”