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

Whilst the adjournment is a pain, this is excellent news. It's incredibly rare for a Judge to disregard the pre sentence report. If they're recommending a community based penalty you can almost certainly sleep soundly tonight. Im sure your solicitor is on it, but character references really can help - they can be from anyone. Ideally they'd say how hard you're trying now and how you've changed since the offence

Lay off @PiggyPigalle

It's quite clear OPs situation is very different to yours. People have empathy for her because of her obvious pain and regret about what she did.

'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.' you don't know the figure? Your business can't be that badly off then.

There are virtually no similarities between your experience and OPs situation, stop kicking her when she's down FFS.

Hope it goes well next time

I know they do take other factors into account but if you’ve been at liberty all this time it’s hard to imagine how they’d suddenly find you a risk to the public and jail you

Wishing you well @Ladieunlucky and hoping that the probation report is accurate. So hope to see you keep posting and hope you are on a path to feeling better. It all sounds incredibly stressful.

I’m so relieved to read your update but sorry you’ve been unwell. My heart sank when I thought you’d been sent down.

@PiggyPigalle "All of you whooping for joy would feel differently had you been the victim, especially when there's no punishment."
We're not "whooping for joy". We're showing sympathy to a woman who has detailed a very specific set of circumstances that bear no similarities whatsoever to the theft you and your husband suffered from your business (for which you also have my sympathy). Your employee sounds like a criminal mastermind - stealing from you over a protracted period and involved in other nefarious activities - compared to OP who was of previous good character, suffering a manic episode when she stole (once), handed herself into the police and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, fully prepared to serve a custodial sentence and repay her former employer.
Had OP presented the conduct of her crime as per your receptionist's, she would be getting very different responses. However, they are not the same. Not even close.

@AngelicKaty - excellent response.

Had OP stolen from me, she would still be getting nothing but understanding and empathy from me.

I think people often fail to think through the consequences of prison. The OP accepts that the actions she took in the midst of a mental health crisis were wrong. She has taken responsibility, and is making every effort to put things right. Currently she has secure housing, a job, is getting mental health support and her child has their mother present.

All sending her to prison will achieve is to send her on a downward spiral. She'll lose her job, potentially her housing, and her mental health will no doubt be put under significant strain whilst her child is then struggling without their mother. That does nothing for society except create more issues. Far better to support the OP in turning her life around and save her child from the pain of not having their mother at home.

I really hope that your sentence is suspended OP and you can continue along the positive path you've started on.

Oh luv ❤️. This wait must be terrible. Especially with the mental illness which thrives and decides on uncertainty, overwhelm and fear. So pleaaaaase remember that. When your head might screaming. When it might tell you not to be on meds. This is the prime time for you tired mind to try and sabotage you.
Have you a team in place, or good support be it loved ones or friends.
Are there any really special people or doctor you trust at this time that coupd be a kind of sponsor. Similar to tye AA model. Someone who can check in. Who can be firm on reminding you on your meds. Bit compassionate and steady support.
If not make sure your that for yourself okay!?

Ugh waiting, not knowing what's to happen and fear is the worst. For mental illness sufferers it excruciating. So how ypur staying afloat is remarkable. How your being as brave as you are is bloody awe inspiring. I mean that. You must keep telling yourself thst okay. That how brave in the face of this mind fuckery is just, well I have no words because it both breaks my heart and make me think your one strong woman at the same time.

I'm keeping everything crossed that they manage to see sense. And let you do what you have to on the outside. It might even involve them getting you some proper support!
Keep going. Go back into that court room with an arsenal of things you've achieved, or not fallen down a spiral to, or fought your illness steadily etc. Have things to back up your efforts. So they can literally see how serious and hard your taking this.

Money is one of yhe top symtoms we look for in your illness. It's the calling card often for problems! And I have seen what people do when manic. When money is the outlet it is havoc. So this is nothing nothing nothing out of the norm for a sufferer and that needs to be made clear too.
It's why leveling yourself, support, and definitely meds are key.
And knowing you have those little domino's in between yhe matchsticks in place to stop the fall and fire starter ot an episode becoming a fall over and flames.
They are both big and small things. Just a toolbox that you know you can turn to.
It coupd be even about getting a box. And putting things in. Words. Reminders. Gimics. Phone numbers. Books. Words to read of previous happening on a manic episode so your rationale mind can read those words again. See the evidence of whst an epsid9e did before. Spare meds. Cuddly toys. Photos. Goals bucket list. A court order summons slip. It's sound cliche and icky but it's evidence it's real touchable things to pull put and give yourself a moment, stop gap if you feel a spiral
And sometimes there isn't that moment. And here we are. And this is when we need the community to rally and do the right thing.
I know it hard. But keep going. Look st all the eay back when you thoguht you were going to fall off the earth when you first posted. Bit look at tou,still here doing it!😊

Thinking of you. Hope it goes well on Wednesday

I served on a jury for a couple of weeks, several cases. I’m guessing suspended sentence too.

Good luck for tomorrow.
Let us know the outcome if you can.

Best wishes for tomorrow @Ladieunlucky 💐

Best of luck for tomorrow! Hopefully you'll be home by tea time and this awful drawn out situation will be over. Sending you a virtual hug x

Everything crossed for tomorrow @Ladieunlucky

The report sounds positive

Good luck @Ladieunlucky and fingers crossed for a good outcome. Sounds like if will be.

Thank you eveyone I’ll let you know if I can of course 🩷 hoping I can sleep tonight! Xx

We’re in your shoulder xx

Good luck x

Wishing you all the luck op.

All the best wishes to you. genuinely hope you can move forward after tomorrow and do well in your current workplace.
I hope you can get some reliable help with your mental health too because services can be pretty dire.💐

Fingers crossed @Ladieunlucky Will be thinking about you tomorrow especially.

❤❤❤

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Sending hugs and best wishes.