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

for men. Women's prisons are not included in that as they are not (yet) horrendously overcrowded in the same way.

In a previous post she said she spent it on holidays for her daughter. So surely she must know?

It's sometimes impossible to know how much was stolen.

Our receptionist was diverting fees paid upfront for courses, in to family bank accounts.
The police charged on £20,000 but said it could easily be that x 10.
She was ordered to repay £20 and Community service.

First we knew was from the police. It came to light via something else the woman was involved in. The poor Detective who'd followed it through was spitting mad at her lack of punishment. They must sometimes feel, what was the point.

Spending it on holidays will surely make it harder to mitigate that she didn't know what she was doing because she was in a manic bipolar episode? At some point – passport check-in, getting on the flight – you'd be aware of what you'd done?

This.

Yes, I think the people saying how appalling it is if the OP has been jailed need to remember we're only hearing her side of the story. It's like those threads where a poster claims their child has been taken into care for no good reason, and the others rage at how unjust it is - realistically, the OPs of those threads are probably omitting a lot of details.

I’m not troll hunting at all, we don’t know the facts of whats really happened. But if this was caused by a long, manic episode during which the op was genuinely completely delusional, then I doubt very much that she’d have got a prison sentence at all. With no previous convictions she may have got away with a suspended sentence, people have got away with stealing far more. It’s statistically likely that there is more to this than whats shes said. I think people have been very kind to her throughout this thread given what shes done, but that was on the basis of her apparently not knowing what she was doing. The little details shes given away kind of suggest otherwise though

Fingers crossed you’re safe, and as well as can be. Hopefully the thread just isn’t on her mind

no one knows whether OP has been jailed because she hasn't updated yet, we will wait and see shall we?

And the state of mental health these last few years is also a crime.

Mental health services in this country that should say

Embezzlement is not a victimless crime,it can finish a business,make fellow workers redundant.

Yes, that's why I said "if"!

Hi all I’m here!!

Ive just sat crying at these messages and the support! I’m so sorry for not messaging sooner, I took a funny turn yesterday as I hadnt slept for days in the run upto court, and unfortunately taking my meds it put me in a real bad way yesterday. I spent the evening in hospital. I arrived at court to find out that it had again been relisted (until the 27th Nov) but this has not been informed to myself or to my solicitor. The anxiety and the expectations are been given custodial yesterday really sent me over the edge.

So unfortunately it’s not over yet and I’ll be sentenced in 2 weeks time. In the mean time I’ve seen my pre sentence report and it’s positive, it states I’m low risk to the public and re offending but high risk to myself if I’m given custodial 😓they have recommend rehabilitation, unpaid work or a curfew tag. But this is upto the judge.

Im so sorry again to not get back to you sooner and I’m so grateful for you all 🩷

Good to hear your update, OP! Sorry it's still dragging on but I'd be amazed if the judge rejected those recommendations.

Ah Op so sorry it's still dragging on!

We're all routing for you!

Awww thanks for the update. Poor you but no wonder you became so ill. That sounds so positive I hope you can keep it together these next couple of weeks.x

I really hope the judge sees a sense and does not impose a custodial sentence. I cannot see how that is in anyone’s interests. I wish you well and hope you can cope during these incredibly traumatic delays. X

Ahh OP great to see you back and thank you for the update. I am so sorry a) that you have literally worried yourself sick and b) that the ordeal still isn't over. But heartening to hear that the reports are positive. Here's hoping for a good outcome in a fortnight. Have your medical team been able to advise any coping strategies for the next two weeks?

thank you for updating.
keep well

It’s a good to hear from you, even though it’s not exactly the news I had hoped for. Please, please take care of yourself.

Oh you poor thing!! This is just so agonising you. Yet more time to worry, that's awful.

So glad to hear from you, OP.

I cannot imagine the stress you're under. You've got a bunch of women here rooting for you. I'll be thinking of you on the 27th. Good luck.

I’m glad the report seems positive but so sorry you’re still waiting and have had such rubbish communication! Take care of yourself xx

Sending you all the positive vibes in the world. You sound lovely. Good luck.