Conviction after assault in Co-op

A man who assaulted staff members and engaged in racially aggravated behaviour in a Co-operative in Slough has been convicted of a number of serious offences.

Scott Francis, 20, of High Street, Colnbrook appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 15 where he pleaded guilty to two counts of racially/religiously aggravated common assault and two counts of assault by beating.

At just after 9pm on Tuesday, February 13, Francis entered the Co-operative in Trelawney Avenue and assaulted staff members and engaged in racially aggravated behaviour.

Francis also admitted one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm, one count of racially/religiously aggravated wounding, one count of assault of an emergency worker and a count each of using threatening/abusive/insulting words and racially/religiously aggravated harassment.

He was charged in the early hours of Thursday, February 15 and admitted all the offences in court on the same day. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Reading Crown Court for sentencing on a date to be confirmed.

Superintendent Lee Barnham, local policing area commander for Slough, said: “Thames Valley Police is aware of issues in the vicinity of Trelawney Avenue shops and we have stepped up patrols of this area.

“Thames Valley Police will not tolerate criminality and anti-social behaviour which impacts the lives of retailers, residents and shoppers and as can be seen from this case we will take very swift action to deal with those responsible.”

A 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail while the investigations continue.