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Original poster

What to expect for sentencing at court on Friday?

743 replies

Ladieunlucky · 23/09/2024 07:51

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

OP posts:
BarbaraHoward · 23/09/2024 10:54

Portfun24 · 23/09/2024 10:16

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.

Edited

Agree with this. I can't offer any advice but I hope you get a suspended sentence. Wishing you well regardless. Flowers

LovingCritic · 23/09/2024 11:01

My understanding from your previous posts was that you could recollect taking £5K but your employers then alleged £30K although there seemed to be scant evidence to support their claim.

If this is the case, why did you not change your plea to not guilty?, you admit freely to £5K but would seem are being fitted up for an extra £25K, doesn't make sense to me.

Starlight7080 · 23/09/2024 11:05

Wishing you luck Friday. It sounds like you have already punished yourself and lost enough .

Gentleray · 23/09/2024 11:07

Ah OP, having a little cry for you here. I wish you the very best and hope you get a suspended sentence. Good luck x

Rerrin · 23/09/2024 11:14

EternallyIrked · 23/09/2024 10:22

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?

Edited

Did you actually read the OP’s post? She’s specifically asking what to expect in court on Friday, how long it’s likely to take as it’s sentencing only, no trial, as she pleaded guilty, and what she should pack in case she does get a custodial sentence and is transferred straight to prison from the courtroom. What an unpleasant reply to someone who couldn’t be lower at the moment.

OP, I remember your posts and will be hoping your sentence is suspended. Very best wishes.

I would never have thought of not wearing jewellery, but I get it now. I understand the no drawstrings stipulation, but why no all-black tops, @IdiotPolice or @FunLurker ?

SpidersAreShitheads · 23/09/2024 11:16

I remember your previous posts too OP, and IIRC there's not even proof that you did everything they allege but you've assumed you're guilty as you have no recollection either way.

I really really hope that your willingness to plead guilty (even when there's no evidence) and your obvious contrition means you're able to get a suspended sentence.

Our prisons are spilling over already, jailing someone like you really isn't going to benefit anyone.

Please do keep us updated. I imagine between now and Friday you'll be a bundle of nerves so please keep posting to get as much support as you need here. There's a lot of us rooting for you 💐

TylerEndicott · 23/09/2024 11:20

Good luck

LovingCritic · 23/09/2024 11:21

SpidersAreShitheads · 23/09/2024 11:16

I remember your previous posts too OP, and IIRC there's not even proof that you did everything they allege but you've assumed you're guilty as you have no recollection either way.

I really really hope that your willingness to plead guilty (even when there's no evidence) and your obvious contrition means you're able to get a suspended sentence.

Our prisons are spilling over already, jailing someone like you really isn't going to benefit anyone.

Please do keep us updated. I imagine between now and Friday you'll be a bundle of nerves so please keep posting to get as much support as you need here. There's a lot of us rooting for you 💐

Which is why the OP should never have plead guilty, the police rely on this willingness of people to surrender to get convictions.

A not guilty plea would mean actual, concrete evidence would be needed, and a discrepancy of £25K and no proof of where it went would almost certainly make the case un triable from the CPS perspective, and likely to be chucked out.

Its rather sad, I feel for the OP who I think has had poor legal advice.

NoOneKnowsWhoYouAre · 23/09/2024 11:23

Take some cash to be put in your account. Cheap clothes as they may go missing in the laundry otherwise. Leggings and jumpers are a good bet. List of phone numbers you may need including your solicitors. Books-you will be bored. Night clothes, bras, slides and trainers. Don't take jewellery or phones etc.

In court you will wait around a lot. If you are sentenced to custody you will be taken down immediately so have said your goodbyes before this. You will sit in the cells for ages before being taken to prison. You can call someone from the reception of the prison if you have a number.

In prison, don't borrow or lend anything. Don't be a pushover or an arsehole.

Probation should share a copy of the presentebce report so you should have an idea of what the outcome is likely to be.

I hope you get a suspended sentence.

DirtyDensDog · 23/09/2024 11:25

Hi @Ladieunlucky, I too have read your previous threads.

I wanted to wish you luck and I hope that you get a suspended sentence.

SpidersAreShitheads · 23/09/2024 11:26

LovingCritic · 23/09/2024 11:21

Which is why the OP should never have plead guilty, the police rely on this willingness of people to surrender to get convictions.

A not guilty plea would mean actual, concrete evidence would be needed, and a discrepancy of £25K and no proof of where it went would almost certainly make the case un triable from the CPS perspective, and likely to be chucked out.

Its rather sad, I feel for the OP who I think has had poor legal advice.

Show quote history

I completely get where you're coming from.

I imagine though that there might possibly be some evidence, and that maybe we're not getting the complete story. Or that OP isn't aware/can't remember everything that the CPS have.

If her priority is to get the lowest possible sentence, I believe that pleading guilty and being genuinely contrite is accepted as the route to leniency - rightly or wrongly. Fighting her case and potentially losing might have just been a risk she didn't want to take.

I agree with you that it's all very sad, and heartbreaking that this was a choice that the OP had to face rather than being able to solely focus on what's fair and "right".

Rerrin · 23/09/2024 11:27

LovingCritic · 23/09/2024 11:21

Which is why the OP should never have plead guilty, the police rely on this willingness of people to surrender to get convictions.

A not guilty plea would mean actual, concrete evidence would be needed, and a discrepancy of £25K and no proof of where it went would almost certainly make the case un triable from the CPS perspective, and likely to be chucked out.

Its rather sad, I feel for the OP who I think has had poor legal advice.

Show quote history

Or maybe there’s more to it than the OP has said on here. I mean, there may be a good reason the OP was advised to plead as she did. I know she doesn’t remember stealing the much higher sum, but if she was having a bipolar episode, and was out of her mind at times, and the money went missing at the same time, and there’s strong circumstantial evidence it was her…?

Nousernamesleftatall · 23/09/2024 11:28

No advice but I wish you the best of luck.

WhiteCatsRock · 23/09/2024 11:31

Wishing you the best outcome on Friday, I really feel for you. I have seen the destruction bipolar causes and it’s so cruel for everyone involved, especially the person suffering. I really hope you get a suspended sentence

BunfightBetty · 23/09/2024 11:32

I can only go on what you’ve written on this thread, OP, as I’ve not seen your others. But if you did this while having a manic/hypomanic episode, then you would have been in psychosis and not in your right mind and not responsible for your actions. Has your psychiatrist not explained this to the police and your solicitor?

Sarah28x · 23/09/2024 11:40

Wishing you the best moving forward, you seem remorseful and you've admitted you did wrong which is a good first step ❤️

Alwaysonyourleft · 23/09/2024 11:41

Wishing you the best of luck OP and hoping for a suspended sentence

Valherie · 23/09/2024 11:58

@OldTinHat you win my post of the month. Just a great story to read, it’s rare you hear the system work.

TheShellBeach · 23/09/2024 12:06

As well as all the things mentioned above, take plenty of books with you.
It's very boring in prison so you'll need something to occupy yourself.
Good luck, OP.

CaptainBlondebeard · 23/09/2024 12:14

Wishing you all the best for Friday OP, you’ve been through a lot. Whatever happens, just take it day by day. Good luck x

Theredfoxfliesatmidnight · 23/09/2024 12:21

I know it won't be the first thing on your mind OP, but if you do get a suspended sentence (as I hope you will) will you come back and update us? When you've had enough time to get over the shock of it all obviously. There are a lot of us here rooting for you and hoping you get happy news. x

Pookerrod · 23/09/2024 12:33

Praying you receive a suspended sentence OP. If Huw Edwards can receive one and not you then there is no justice in this land.

Ihateboris · 23/09/2024 12:37

Pookerrod · 23/09/2024 12:33

Praying you receive a suspended sentence OP. If Huw Edwards can receive one and not you then there is no justice in this land.

Exactly this! Hoping you get a suspended sentence.

HellonHeels · 23/09/2024 12:50

I know PPs have mentioned toiletries but no specifics - do you need to take sanitary protection with you? Tissues?

Are you allowed to take snacks?

HellonHeels · 23/09/2024 12:51

Wishing you the very best OP X