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AMA

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Original poster

I'm a twice convicted criminal...AMA

24 replies

LucieT3 · 30/07/2018 22:53

Committed a "white collar" crime, through desperation and stupidity. Was caught out, came clean and served my punishment.

Was then in a position of trust trying to do some good and left myself vulnerable by trusting others, something happened and despite being innocent (this time!) it was me who was convicted, in part due to my previous history.

AMA

OP posts:

Languageofkindness · 30/07/2018 22:54

Did you end up in prison? How long for and how did you cope?

RafikiIsTheBest · 30/07/2018 22:55

Do you feel guilty and remorseful about what you did? How many people did it effect and in what way?

What was your punishment? Do you think it was effective at 'rehabilitating' you? Would you do it again?

RoboJesus · 30/07/2018 22:56

Do you think you'll go a third time?

KarlDilkington · 30/07/2018 22:57

what was the crime?

ElevenTwelths · 30/07/2018 22:58

Why were you desperate?

Givemeallyourcucumber · 30/07/2018 23:01

What were the punishments?

Original poster

LucieT3 · 30/07/2018 23:06

No, I didn't end up in prison for which I'm eternally thankful.

For the crime I committed (theft from employer, fiddling staff discount scheme) I received a community sentence and had to pay back what I'd taken.

I've never regretted anything more in my life. I was fortunate to have worked my way up into quite a senior position and was well regarded in my workplace. I ended up in financial difficulties, mostly due to my own poor management and also some circumstances outside of my control, and stupid pride stopped me asking for help.

I had felt the net closing in, and the guilt weighing heavily on me, so came clean to my director. What struck me and stays with me to this day was his words, that if I had only asked for help it would have been there. :(

I'd certainly never knowingly commit any crime again, which is why being accused and then convicted for a second time sting so much, as I k we I had done nothing wrong and had only been trying to help people and make amends for my previous mistakes.

OP posts:

Original poster

LucieT3 · 30/07/2018 23:08

The punishment for the second conviction was a suspended prison sentence, and to repay the money that I was convicted of taking (which I hadn't). I also had to pay very substantial costs and legal aid back. The suspended sentence is long since over, but I'll be paying for years to come.

OP posts:

StorminaBcup · 30/07/2018 23:11

How has it affected your life and employment opportunities?

Geordiegirl1988 · 30/07/2018 23:17

I'm speechless . Have you learnt your lesson and have you considered any ways of paying back the company to show your sincerity ?

gettingtherequickly · 30/07/2018 23:18

How has it impacted on your ability to get another job / career?

Original poster

LucieT3 · 30/07/2018 23:19

It took me an incredibly long time to find paid work again, and at a much lower level both in terms of pay and seniority than I worked previously. I was open with my employer though, and I have their support. Lots of other employers would not consider me, which left me struggling for years. I can easily see why people offend again when in this difficult position, and whilst I never would have I can see why people thought that I did.

The second conviction ruined a relationship, and took away a massive part of my life as I was no longer able to volunteer with an organisation very dear to me.

I regret the stupid actions and the crime I committed, and accept that the punishment was deserved. But I really struggle with losing everything over something hadn't done the second time.

OP posts:

gettingtherequickly · 30/07/2018 23:22

So you don't understand that people judge based on previous experience? Isn't that just common sense?

Original poster

LucieT3 · 30/07/2018 23:22

GeordieGirl1988 Every penny has been paid back, plus their costs. I deeply regret what I did, and yes I've certainly learned from my stupidity. I tried to do some good, to give back to society, but naively left myself wide open to being accused of something I had absolutely nothing to do with. My past mistakes however understandably made it look like it was me, and I couldn't prove that it wasn't.

OP posts:

gettingtherequickly · 30/07/2018 23:24

Apologies, I can see now that you said you can see why people would assume it was you.
I hope that things turn out for the best for you, it would be a brave person who said they'd never made a mistake.

Original poster

LucieT3 · 30/07/2018 23:24

gettingtherequickly of course understand that, and I certainly didn't expect an easy ride of it. I'm grateful for the chance I've been given, despite everything, and I'm working hard to prove myself.

OP posts:

Original poster

LucieT3 · 30/07/2018 23:26

Thank you, that means a lot. :)

And you're right, who can honestly say they've never made a mistake? Although I certainly wouldn't recommend repeating the ones I've made - I've learned that the very hard way.

OP posts:

Clairetree1 · 30/07/2018 23:27

I'm sorry for what happened to you the second time

NanFlanders · 30/07/2018 23:33

Wishing you all the best. Thanks for coming on and sharing your experiences. Is your life back on track now?

Kotare · 30/07/2018 23:44

How did you manage to move on from both offences? Did you find it difficult to get work?

ElevenTwelths · 31/07/2018 08:42

How were you convicted the second time with no evidence? What happened?

Original poster

LucieT3 · 31/07/2018 22:29

Thank you for your kind words.

Yes fortunately things are back on track now, and I'm working hard to pay off what I need to (mostly costs) and to rebuild my life.

There was evidence in the second case, however it was a case of my word against others...and due to my "form" my word didn't count for very much any more. I was basically too trusting, and agreed to handle money with no proper processes in place. They gave me £x, but claim to have given me £y. A relatively small sum involved, but even I have to admit that given my past (which I had been open about) even though I try never to judge others I'd have probably suspected me too.

OP posts:

tedx · 02/08/2018 00:06

Sorry about what happened to you the second time. That's horrible. How much money were you accused of stealing?

Mummyof5dc · 02/08/2018 00:32

So if the person that passed you the money, lied about the amount, I'm presuming you know who the real theif is. Did you ever confront them? I would of been furious, And if so what was their reaction?

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