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

good luck x

Sorry... whats the con exactly? If you doubt the poster, report to MN, troll hunting is against the rules!

@Ladieunlucky Fingers x for a suspended sentence, its horrid you've had to wait in limbo for an outcome here.

Another hand hold from Australia.

Hoping you got your sentence suspended. Been thinking of you.

Hope you're home OP. I have friends with Bipolar and see thow frightening it must be to do things out of character.

That would be daft as it the court records would be public.

OP I hope they gave you a suspended sentence

This is one of the saddest threads. OP I hope you’re just decompressing from court.

I’m so sorry for the OP and for the state of our justice system. I’m assuming that she’s received a custodial sentence. The OP was ill and offended in the context of a serious mental illness. What is the state of the world? Sex offenders get suspended sentences because of mental illness but a woman is sent to jail? OP if you see this lots of love and strength from a fellow mumsnetter. So much support for you on this thread.

Hoping to see a post from OP today 🤞

I would sincerely hope to see your sentence suspended, given your mental health issues and incapacity at the time, previous good character and your decision to tell the truth.

Don't underestimate the power of true remorse, be sure to express genuine contrition. It can be very powerful in the court room. You need to let them know the pressure you are under, and any special requirements you may have. Courts are becoming much more responsive now after judicial training.

Following

Praying the OP will update today and is home safe. 🙏 xx

Just read this thread. Hoping you've had good news op!

If it had been good news I would have expected an update from OP by now.

I am disappointed and I hope she is doing OK wherever she is.

If she did get sent to prison, the worst part must be the delay in sentencing which must encourage false hope I think that aspect of justice is particularly cruel.

Thinking of you OP.

Everyone deserves forgiveness OP, so long as you have learned. Sending you all the best

I have just seen the thread. I hope you’re ok

Im guessing the silence isnt good news. Im suprised at a custodial sentence given the circumstances. It must have been a LOT of money

Thinking about you OP

Only just come across this post. I think its disgusting if OP has been jailed.

I thought I was the queen of England when I had a bipolar episode! You really do not know what you're doing!

Hope you're ok OP.

Oh this is sad - obviously without details I can't pass judgement but suspect it was a significant amount for those mitigating circumstances to not make a difference to custodial sentencing. I hope very much the OP is okay.

Unfortunately fraud offences seem to attract longer sentences than violent ones IME.
Women are also on average sentenced more harshly than male counterparts for the same offence types. It's what happens when your sentencers are largely middle and upper class white men.
Indecent images? Community sentence with unpaid work, take money from your company, custodial......
I really hope if that's what has happened to OP she is in the private estate, bronze field, Peterborough etc, they have a lot more opportunity for purposeful activity and she won't be on 23 hour bang up like most of the state prisons. Also with SDS40 she'll only do 40% in custody and hdc release date will be at the quarter stage if she's got a suitable address to be released to. So two years is suddenly 6 months and it even applies with her offence types with a sentence over 4 years now.

I've been in the justice system for more than fifteen years and more and more we are picking up the impact of a lack of mental health and social care intervention. Lots of those people shouldn't be in the justice system let alone in prison

It’s just so short sighted isn’t it.
it’s like funding to help children and mental health. Throw everything at them and their families. Get them to be healthy, educated adults and suddenly you’ve functioning adults who can support themselves (and pay taxes), if they become parents they are better equipped, so need less intervention and a better outcome for their children. So ultimately it saves the tax payers. More so if you take potential crimes, police time, prison time into consideration