Court date for theft

[Theftofyouth]

My child (17) was arrested a few months back for shoplifting and was given police bail. They were banned from the store they stole from.

They have now been charged and given a court date.

I've NC'd and don't want to give too many details if possible. I'm keeping it factual and not emotional but please don't read that as me not caring. I just want to stick to facts.

This was their second arrest for theft in the space of a year. Previous work with the youth offending team had no impact. There was no court involved last time.

What will happen at court? Will they likely get a community order or a fine? The items were likely less than £200 and it was an organised theft with a group of friends and not just from one store.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Are they going to plead guilty?

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/pronouncement-cards/card/referral-order/

Yes, they are pleading guilty.

They think they will get a fine only. I don't know why they think that.

If an adult they could well get a fine (depending on how organised "organised" means here). At 17 most likely outcome is a referral order.

Thank you. They need a lot of mental health input but won't engage with services so this might change that.

Is your child academically able? You can ask the youth offending team to organize educational psychology assessment if not

Any remorse?

No remorse at all and was out shoplifting a few days after arrest So many services have been tried but no progress.
They are extremely bright yet frustratingly stupid when it comes to making good choices. Probably has adhd but hasn't attended appointments.
They don't live with me due to being off the rails and a danger to younger siblings and me. It's very sad and I have to keep it factual otherwise I'd break.

I am in youth court a lot. Punishments tend to vary quite significantly (within the guidelines) depending on the area.

Round here they’d be referred back to the youth offending panel and maybe given a very small finished .

In recent years courts have looked on most young offenders as victims of their circumstances rather than as criminals. I understand why they have done this but in some circumstances it really doesn’t help.

What kind of fine tends to be given if one is given? They don't have a job or even get pocket money. It would be fantastic if they are ordered to attend mental health services but how likely is that?

Does a parent need to attend court with them? Or can any appropriate adult accompany them?

It can be any appropriate adult - as you can imagine some youth offenders don't have a parent who is willing to attend with them. But an engaged parent is a plus.

If you are lucky then there will be a Liaison and Diversion specialist in the court building and you can ask to speak to them. They can then make recommendations for mental health support if any are needed. Some courts have them and some don't.