What to expect for sentencing at court on Friday?

[Ladieunlucky]

Im being sentenced this Friday at crown court. I was charged for fraud under false representation due to a manic episode where I stole money from employers. I have bi polar disorder and was un medicated at the time. I handed myself in when I realised what I did and I have lost all my friends and reputation, butonly what I deserve. This charge is because I was in a position of trust. I have seen a psychiatrist for pre sentencing report.

I’ve been advised the sentencing guidelines start at 3 years, reduced by a 3rd because of my early guilty plea and co operation. Mitigating factors are I have not offended before, early plea and co operation, previous good character, have a 15 year old who I have joint custody with. And also my mental illness.

I am prepared for a custodial sentence and just wondered what I can expect on the day in court, how long it takes as no there is no trial. And what to pack in my bag to bring to prison?

I understand this may be my fate and what I deserve and have never once said I’m not guilty. Please just kind comments as this time is very difficult x

At that starting point and with credit for an early guilty plea you could get a suspended sentence. Anything up to two years can be suspended. What have the probation service said? Have they made recommendations for community based options - rehabilitation essentially?
Practically - sentences like yours usually take up to around an hour. You should take a few clothes - nothing with draw strings. Take some toiletries, books, a bit of cash.

It's hard to say how long it will take, as some judges want more info or some barrister's request everything is read.
As for what to take, your need underwear, sleepwear, joggers, tshirts, sweat top. Make sure the colours aren't all black, no draw strings and minimal logos. Waterproof jacket, trainers and sliders (for shower) once in your be told how many of each item you can take. Your need toiletries, a book with address in, writing equipment and stamps. Your be able to make 1 call when you get to the prison and then further calls once the numbers you provide are verified. Things might of changed as long time since I've worked at prisons.
Also make sure you have your medication to hand over

Once inside someone can put money on your account and your be able to call people, if they email you, you can reply, not sure how much each reply is but it comes out of your money. Your also be able to order from their shop.

My ‘good luck’ vibes to you OP.

I know this has caused you ongoing stress and distress.

Please let us know later if your sentence is suspended and you are back home.

yes. wishing you resolution and a positive future. you sound so contrite and mental illness is so hard. i hope your sentence is suspended and that you get continued support and treatment.

I have no experience but wanted to wish you luck for Friday and beyond. I notice you say you've lost your friends and that you feel that's deserved. I disagree. It sounds as if you've been through a hard time and illness has been a factor in your judgement for that time. You sound like you deserve support and understanding rather than being cut off. Wishing you the best OP. Will be thinking of you on Friday and sending strength no matter the sentence.

Oh OP, I have read your other threads and I am really hoping for a suspended sentence for you! Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way!

Wishing you luck on Friday. I don't think you deserve prison.

I hope the judge is understanding and you get a suspended sentence.

Please be assured though that female prisons are very different from male prisons and how they are portrayed on TV. You will get through this OK.

Your story is mine from 2017. I was sentenced to 12 months fraud by misrepresentation and 12 months for false accounting.

I pleaded guilty.

I made sure all of my paperwork, bills, stuff like that were up to date so that my parents could take over and my DC (16 and 18) would be looked after. I packed a bag with underwear, couple of plain tshirts, leggings and joggers. I didn't wear any jewellery to court.

On the actual day, after the pre sentencing reports, I was given the above sentence, suspended for (I think) 3yrs plus an alcohol treatment requirement of 6 months and 40 rehabilitation hours (RAR).

I've never been so grateful to fall into the arms of probation. My RAR included much needed therapy. And I've not looked back. I have moved away for a fresh start and changed my name, and my record is now 'spent'.

May I suggest you have a look at the charity, Unlock? Their website has soooo much useful information and resources.

I'll be thinking of you.

Wishing you good luck for Friday Op
I don't think you deserve prison & Ill mental health isn't deserved by anyone either.
Fingers crossed you get a suspended sentence and I really hope you are feeling better in yourself 💐

Write down the phone numbers you need and addresses.

I've read your previous threads, I'm also wishing you luck and hoping for a suspended sentence. I don't see how jailing you is in any way beneficial to the public.

Prepare. I hope you get a suspended sentence but fraud, and indeed the amount you took will matter. The court will look at your mitigation but also the actual damage you did. Good luck.

Well, I hope that you don't get a custodial sentence, and considering how other people who have recently been in the news have got suspended sentences for crimes that are much more heinous (and have no diagnosed mental health issues as far as I am aware) I would be fucking disgusted if you did.

Can't advise otherwise but have everything crossed for you.

NC for this as I have very similar experience and wanted to let you know am happy to speak privately if you want . Good luck

You've posted about three or four threads about this and had a wealth of helpful advice, information and sympathy. What do you hope this thread will achieve that the others haven't? That's a genuine question, not snark, btw. Is this a cathartic process?

I don't think you deserve a sentence. Having a manic episode and being honest should be enough. I'm sorry you lost your friends.
I lost some of mine when manic and my Mum told me from a young age (first episode as a teen) that they weren't really my friends and I would find my real friends. At 50 I have got lovely understanding friends. It took a while.
Fingers crossed for you.

There was an "Ask Me Anything" thread a while ago from a woman who served prison sentence.

What stuck our for me, was she said it can be cold in the cell, so take warm clothes. As someone else said, joggers, jumpers, socks etc, but also a thick, warm, dressing gown. Something you can put on over your clothes, that you can snuggle into.

I hope it is a suspended sentence for you. But just in case the judge does sentence you to prison time, it's good to be prepared.
I think the AMA also said to set up your cash account as soon as possible, not just for phonecalls, bit so you can buy food. (The prison food may not be enough for you)

Good luck for Friday OP, I don't think you deserve prison either x

@EternallyIrked It's all there in the third paragraph of the op. She wants to know what to expect in court, and some advice on what to pack to take with her. And others on the thread have given advice accordingly.

Is it really so hard to understand why someone who states she has lost all her friends and has a fifteen year old child to support reaches out online for help? I know you say you're not being snarky by asking what she hopes to achieve from another thread, but it's not that difficult to work out is it?

I'm sure I've read this exact thread previously though and someone who (I can't remember exactly) was a prison officer, probation officer or something similar wrote a very long and detailed post about what exactly to expect, what to pack, what to do in advance etc. Can you not find that post?

Good luck I hope they are kind to you xx

Give her a break.
I know she's posted before but she's obviously extremely scared and anxious and maybe typing it out helps in some small way.
I wish you good luck for Friday @Ladieunlucky

• all black tops aren’t allowed
• make sure you write down any phone numbers and addresses you need.
• basic clothes and underwear (not sure about hoodies these days)
• thick socks
• an Oodie
• sliders for shower
• money to put on account for shop/calls/emails
• no cords in clothes
• leave phone and jewellery at home or with your parents
• take a couple photos in for hard times

Hope you get a suspended. If you don’t it’s not the end of the world, from experience it felt easier once the jail time was done because it didn’t drag out so long. By the time the jail and probation was finished the suspended still would have had 1.5 years to go meaning conviction was spent sooner.