OBSTRUCTING a police officer has seen a man fined £50.

Malachi Nicholson, 34, of Galsworthy Close, Liden, pleaded guilty to the offence dating from December 30 when he came before the bench at Swindon Magistrates' Court.

In addition to his fine he must also pay a £30 victim surcharge and £40 to the Crown Prosecution Service towards the costs of bringing the matter to court.

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A woman has been electronically tagged for Stealing more than £100-worth of DVDs and drinks from Asda.

Tia Stokes, 27, of Bourne Road, pleaded guilty to the £102.87 theft from Asda on June 23 which included DVDs, games and drinks.

The magistrates imposed a one year community order on Stokes, ordering that she abide by a four week curfew between 8pm and 6am, which is electronically monitored by a tag. She must also complete a drug rehabilitation programme. She was further ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge and £15 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

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Five points have been added to a man's driving licence after he admitted driving without due care and attention, leading to a four car shunt.

Marc Few, 43, of Parsonage Farm Close, Cricklade, pleaded guilty to the offence dating from July 28 of last year when he came before the bench sitting at Swindon Magistrates' Court.

The magistrates were told that Few had been driving an 04-plate Ford Focus on Penhill Drive when he collided with a Toyota Yaris which in turn hit a Vauxhall Zafira which then shunted into a Toyota Rav, subsequently hitting a Hyundai. They fined him £180 and ordered he pay a £30 victim surcharge along with £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service, in addition to the points on his licence.

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A man who denies assaulting a woman and causing £450-worth of damage to a 3D Tv will now stand trial. Richard Hale, 43, of Saltash Road denies the allegations - both dating from December 30. He will next appear at Chippenham Magistrates' Court for the trial on March 27. In the meantime he was released on conditional bail not to have any contact with the alleged victim.

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A man who denies stealing clothing, watches and sunglasses from a town centre shops will stand trial next month. Lewis Opoku, 36, currently of no fixed abode, denies stealing clothing, watches and a holdall valued at £321 from M&S on Regent Street on January 24. He further denies stealing a £15 pair of sunglasses from the store the previous day. Magistrates released him on bail until March 3 when he is due to stand trial at Chippenham Magistrates' Court. In the meantime he is banned from entering M&S and must report to Gablecross Police Station between noon and 2pm each weekday.