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

So happy to see your update on one hand. I went to bed very sad last night thinking you were in prison. I’m sorry to hear about your health. Do get plenty of rest and take care of yourself OP. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome for you in two weeks xx

God, all the relisting is like a punishment in itself. It must be torture and isn't really humane, though I appreciate how busy the courts are ofc. Look after yourself, OP.

So lovely to hear from you op, good luck for the next court date and I hope you feel better soon.

We are all here on your side!

Sorry to hear you aren't well! Its awful they've rescheduled, prolong the agony.

Do you have statements from a medical practitioner like your GP or mental health nurse? This may help to explain bipolar and how it affects you.

Surely anyone with an inkling of working with mental health will know how it can debilitating.

I can't remember if you said you'd been sacked or not? Do you have any statements from your previous employer about being trustful usually?

I know someone else who thought they could fly and scaled a very high, busy bridge where I am. Luckily was found and stopped in time.

Not comparing but it genuinely causes havoc, chaos and mayhem.

Please keep taking medication.

Thanks for the update, been thinking of you x

Seeing your message pop up made my heart happy! There’s a lot of us that really thought the worst yesterday. Keep posting!

Sorry you are unwell but relieved to hear you are not in prison , best wishes for the next date 💐

Good to hear from you OP. It seems very cruel to keep postponing the sentencing hearing. Good that your pre sentence report is positive for you. Have you got support from your doctor in managing your health at the moment

Sending you best wishes, we'll all be thinking positive thoughts for you x

@Ladieunlucky this sounds positive other than you being poorly but hold tight for a bit longer, praying for the best outcome!

That’s absolutely madness
How can they do this to people, they clearly don’t have a clue how much stress people are under in these situations.

The probation report is very likely to be taken at its word, and you have every reason to be cautiously optimistic. Look after yourself op. And make sure you have plenty of support in the days leading up to the next hearing.

well I imagined the worse. I hope you get much better soon.

I am sorry you are still in this awful limbo, I really hope it is all resolved on 27th.

That’s good new op!! I’m sorry you’ve been through it the last few days. But please do keep us updated we’re all routing for you

Thank you for taking the time to update us. I’ve been thinking of you. Hopefully you can build yourself up a bit in the next couple of weeks and fingers crossed for a sensible result x

I'm wishing you lots of luck and good wishes xx

I was thrilled to see a notification that you’d updated - but am sorry that it’s still hanging over you and that you’re unwell.

I truly hope that it goes you way.

This is what OP stated in an earlier thread as aggravating factors . I haven't read them all so I don't know what the others said.

• Not one set theft but over a period of months
• Took advantage of a place of trust
• Taken for debt, personal use during bi polar episode - holidays ect

That's excellent news. Despite the sum I don't see how it is in anyone's best interests to give a custodial sentence. I am a firm believer that prison should be for rehabilitation (in most cases) and you have clearly tried your hardest since admitting guilt. I wish you all the best for the 27th.

Makes a lot more sense than a custodial sentence in your case and I think it would be an odd judge who disagreed. It is not in the public interest to send you to prison.

Thank you for the update, OP. Sending hugs.

Gosh poor you. Can you ask your lawyer what to expect?from what youre saying, I feel like prison really isn't the best place for you.

So pleased to hear OP that you are still standing. I recently had spend some time doing training observations in Criminal Court. I didn't see one custodial sentences handed on any of the days I was there. Judges seemed extremely reluctant to hand out custodial sentences. They do this day in and day out and can spot people a mile away who are genuinely remorseful, will never do this again and pose no risk to the public. It honestly felt like they really didn't want to see genuinely decent people go down over a moment of madness. Changed my whole opinion of the court system.

You have already judging yourself way harsher then any judge can. For the next two weeks, every day, even if it's hard - envision yourself sitting down for Christmas dinner with your loved ones a free woman. Feel what that feeling feels like. Feel how grateful you will feel with that second chance. Imagine the smallest details of what that feeling feels like, and I promise you will manifest the best possible outcome.

I think you are really brave and I just know you will overcome :)