RECENT cases dealt with by Taunton Magistrates' Courts include:

Darren Charles Hughes, 35, c/o Verdun Terrace, Washford, assaulted a police officer acting in the exercise of his functions, damaged a car, possession of cocaine, breached a conditional discharge imposed for criminal damage, community order, £300 fine, £338 compensation, £90 victim surcharge, £775 costs. (G).

Briedi Chelsea Jones, 26, of Rowan Drive, Taunton, in charge of a dangerously out of control Staffordshire bull terrier that injured a person, community order, 80 hours unpaid work, £300 compensation, £90 victim surcharge. (G).

Ashley James Tate, 27, of Abbey House, Taunton, driving without due care and attention, £200 fine, £100 costs; driving without insurance, £200 fine, six months driving ban; failed to stop when driving and required to do so by a police constable, no separate penalty; eight counts of theft of petrol, breached a conditional discharge imposed for two counts of harassment, community order, 80 hours unpaid work, £180.45 compensation, £85 victim surcharge. (G).

Liam Anthony Parsons, 24, of no fixed address, assault by beating, 12 months conditional discharge, £21 victim surcharge, £85 costs. (G).

(G) denotes guilty plea or admits offence. Details supplied by the courts.