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

No matter what you've done you sound lovely @Ladieunlucky

Praying for you to not get a custodial sentence at the end of November. How awful for you having this drag out like this. Must be unbearable. Like you're living in limbo.

(((HUGS))) I hope it all goes your way in the sentencing!

Oh bless you @Ladieunlucky

Sorry to hear been in Hospital over this

The on going and further dates are not helping your mh

Unfair to keep prolonging it

Great though that your report is positive

Again you can only wait

Will keep everything crossed for you x 💐

I can't believe they rescheduled your sentencing and didn't even notify you or your solicitor - HMCTS really is in a mess! No wonder this sent you into a nose-dive OP and I'm so sorry to hear about it, but hope you're on a more even keel now. It's great you've had the opportunity to read the pre-sentencing report and that it's so positive - here's hoping the judge gives due regard to its recommendations in their decision-making. Best of luck for two weeks' time, OP, although it's sounding even more positive now. I'll be thinking of you on the 27th. 🤗

OP - good to hear- regardless of what you did , I'm not sure it's in the public interest for custodial-

Keeping everything crossed for a positive outcome on the 27th.

So good to hear from you OP! As you can see you've had an overwhelming amount of support here.

It does sound very positive. Fingers crossed in a couple of weeks you can put this absolutely shit show behind you.

How's your DC holding up with it all?

❤️

Im so sorry for the distress you've had but oh my word, so glad to know it's not because you got a custodial sentence. Really hoping it goes your way, the waiting must be so hard. Keep thinking positively - that report sounds so encouraging. Look after yourself xxx

How exhausted you must feel from this journey. Sending best wishes and hoping you can rest for a while before your sentencing.

@Ladieunlucky
Thanks for the latest.uodate and hope your anxiety reduces and you have no more hospital stays. I recall.your previous.thread and been wondering how you are.

Take care.

Thinking of you, I'm so sorry this whole process has been so hard.

hugs

I don't think a custodial is right either, but nor is community service. That costs the thief nothing. This is the UK, unpaid work means you still receive benefits, so it costs us.

Should be tagged and a wadge taken from salary every month. They should feel some pain back.

The worst thing that resulted from our fallout from thieving, was my husband's hurt.
Hurt that he'd made a bad decision in hiring her, hurt that she was supposedly one of the team. The staff would go out drinking together on us and we'd take them out on Christmas, all while one was helping herself to another £200 of your money that day.

Big companies can spread that loss, not family businesses. We weren't even Ltd but a partnership, so that was our money.

All of you whooping for joy would feel differently had you been the victim, especially when there's no punishment.

I really hope the judge gives you a constructive sentence instead of wasting resources by putting you in prison.

It’s not just you op, I believe most non-violent offenders don’t deserve prison time. Our society would be much better to seek justice while also trying to rehabilitate through therapy, education, and community service.

@PiggyPigalle im sorry for your hurt. I didn’t do what I did from malice. I unfortunately did this during a manic episode and if I could change it I would.

I also work and don’t claim benefits. So the commmunity service, would be around my normal working hours. I have offered to pay back to the company from my earnings, I’ll do anything. I’ve even prepared for custodial. I understand the hurt I’ve caused to the people around me and that’s why I seek punishment. I took myself into the police station to try to put this right even if I have caused damage. Thank you for you comments 🩷

Sending Ladieunlucky to prison would probably be easier for her to get out of the way. A non-custodial will go on longer and she will pay back more to society. A custodial is no good for the tax payer. Even less money to spend on under resourced Mental Health services.

Hey I hope your feeling abit better today, I can't imagine the stress this must be causing you, your a brave person who made a mistake and one that you've tried to rectify, no one's perfect , you also wasn't in good mental health at the time neither, I'm so happy that your employer has seen beyond this.
I hope you don't go to jail, And get to repay it some other way.
You sound like a lovey person who just made a mistake that's all and you'll get to put that right and move on with your life, I wish you all the best and hope life continues to improve for you x

So sorry this is dragging out longer for you. Sending so many positive thoughts for the best outcome x

Goodness I’ve only just seen your thread.
I am keeping all my fingers crossed for you.
In this day and age prison time should b reserved for those who are either a danger to others or have committed violent crimes in my view. It’s about rehabilitation and you’re clearly ready and are already far along this road.
I’ll be thinking of you x

I honestly believe you are doing your utmost to redeem yourself. I hope that is taken properly into account.

I really hope you get the minimum suspended. You have tried so hard to do the right thing.

So good to hear an update from you. I truly believe you are sorry and I hope you get a good outcome on 27th. You sound very strong and brave. I suffer with anxiety and so I understand part of it.

Just discovered this thread. I am so sorry for what is happening to you. It's so sad they are dragging this on. Hopefully on the 27th, you'll know what is going to happen.
You sound like a lovely person. You owned up to what you did, and want to put things right. And bi polar can be tricky to manage. You didn't choose to do what you did. It was a symptom of an illness you have.
I am just hoping it all works out for you. Good luck.

@Ladieunlucky thank you for the update, I am glad for you.

and I refer to my earlier comment; the uncertainty and waiting is cruel. FFS it’s actually making OP ill and will continue to until the 27th.
Horrible

@Ladieunlucky If you can pay back the money you took, surely that will help your case?

There was a case many moons ago {1980's} where a Titled woman, Lady Isobel Barnett{who qualified as a Doctor} stole a carton of cream and something else of low value, {a tin of Tuna fish} and was fined £75. {the total value of the things she took was only 0.78pence.}

It was almost certainly a psychological issue.

Poor Lady Isobel died by her own hand at the shame of the media coverage.

We live in very different times, now, thankfully.

The moral outrage is rightfully for sex offenders against children, not shoplifters.

Sorry to hear about the delays. I don't think the courts realise the toll this takes on people.
Stay strong and positive. The report sounds helpful.
Wishing you all the best