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

If there were no “proof” then o/p should be appealing her sentence as any lawyer worth their pay would have had the guilty plea withdrawn due to MHI and the CPS would never have supported the case.

to be facing prison there must have been documentation of the missing funds. Conviction for a crime that hasn’t happened would be unusual, if if they plead guilty,

o/p if this is the case please get back onto your legal advice. If you have been convicted solely on the fact you pled guilty to a crime you don’t remember and there is no material evidence (back statements, transfers etc) then how on earth can the crime stand? Or get new lawyers as it sounds like you had bad representation.

how much was the charge for? They must have named an amount?

I think she remembered 5k, they said 35k. So she definitely did take some, whether it was the whole amount claimed us unclear.

Great news OP, good luck for the future.

In some cases it’s yes you have to pay the money back and others no.

The woman who defrauded my aunt’s business out of £250K didn’t have to pay it back because she didn’t have the money to do so, so she was imprisoned.

I’m absolutely delighted by your update. What an early Christmas present it must be to now be sure of your fate and able to move forwards with your life once and for all.

🎉Congratulations and wishing you the best future 💐

This has been hanging over you for such a long time so I'm really pleased for you that it's over :)

I think there were lots of us that privately feel that OP should have pushed much harder because there's a shocking lack of proof. I think the point is that as she simply accepted the accusations and admitted the crime, that's sufficient "evidence".

OP sounds like a decent woman who's been through a horrific time and she seems to be have been completely wracked with guilt over what she did. I think that led her to simply accept all the allegations rather than pushing back on any. I think there was also the fear that questioning the accusations would look as if she wasn't accepting her crime, and wasn't remorseful, and that would have been far worse for her re sentencing. There was quite a bit of info on her first thread about the circumstances and the fact that she didn't feel it was right to challenge what was being alleged. Remorse, humiliation, and guilt are powerful emotions.

I mean, maybe she DID take the full amount. But OP has been excruciatingly honest about every other detail and hasn't tried to paint herself in a positive light - she's laid herself bare. It would be odd for her to be deliberately lying about this one single thing (which to us wouldn't really make much difference - although obviously it would make a huge difference to the victim!)

The OP genuinely can't recall doing the things the victims alleged, and only knows that she definitely took £5k. I really do wonder if she took the full amount that was claimed, and whether. as a woman who was experiencing a severe mental health crisis, she was given best advice from her legal team. Maybe it was just felt to be better all round to accept it and move on with whatever punishment she would receive even if they weren't sure how true it was. I don't know though. It doesn't sit well with me, and I do feel desperately sorry for the OP.

Hi guys.

I feel overwhelmed, to come on here and see complete strangers talking and having my back when I don’t have the strength to do so.

I am more then happy to clear up any questions over private message as I have spoke about this in my previous threads ☺️ I will be completely honest as this is all I’ve every wanted to do to make this right.

I’m not sure if I mentioned that I’m doing a psychology degree. Ill cross that bridge with me conviction and jobs when it comes to it but for now I’m learning about myself and how to help others. I’m thinking of starting a blog, I have some diary entries I kept from my darkest times that I feel I can help others in the same situation and diagnosis. I might not be the best role model. You have all followed my journey for so long and I’d love to share this with you when I get started x

Wow, good for you. You really are making the best of an awful situation and I admire that.

I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas!

The judge has been compassionate, but I believe correct. You've been given a second chance. Now you owe it to your daughter, and yourself, to prove the judge right by making the most of it. Good luck.

I'm so happy for you OP.

Most people appreciate that mental illness can be a massive factor in offending and believe in rehabilitation and second chances. You have it all to prove now to the world and most especially to your daughter. I’m a psychologist and the trust I work for has employed people who suffer from bipolar and other conditions, including those with convictions. You must be up front at all times though. Good luck.

Massive congratulations @Ladieunlucky 🙌

I'm so pleased for you. 💐

I'm SO happy to see your update OP. I'm genuinely thrilled for you. Go and have the best Christmas ever with your loved ones. Wishing you much happiness.

Very relieved for you, @Ladieunlucky . From what you've written, I think you have pleaded guilty to stealing more money than you can remember, and that can be proven, but you have always been very clear that you did steal money whilst in the grip of a manic episode and you expected to be punished for that. Your punishment seems proportionate without devastating your life or your daughter's life. I'm so relieved you will be able to have Christmas with your family and without the threat of all this hanging over you any further.

Am so happy that you had a good outcome.Good for you!!!!

it's not really a deterramt though is it.I hope the Mners cheering. will be equally happy when someone nicks £35,000 from them

Well of course, all they should worry about is the emotional wellbeing of the thief, apparently that's all that matters. Unless op repaying everything she's stolen is part of the sentence. But having seen similar things it's usually at like 50p a week!

Oh wow! Just spent ages trying to find an update. Great news. I'm a Probation Officer. It's not often we'll argue for a custodial sentence.

Sounds like the best outcome for you OP. Its great the Judge adjusted the curfew times over Xmas and to support you with your job. Fresh start for you in 2025

It’s interesting you’re doing a psychology degree as it’ll give you an insight into your own psyche as well as into others psyches.

A blog sounds a good idea especially if you’re going to be honest about what you’ve done and how you’ve turned your life around.

@SoulMole 'great news' that someone who stole tens of thousands of pounds is somehow now the victim?
Am assuming there'll be no expectation of the stolen money to be repaid?

I am so pleased for you. You have a new year coming up so lots of positive thoughts for a good (and honest) future ahead for you and your daughter. Please try and keep on top of things and don’t go down that path again as next time they will throw the book at you. Really happy for you.

Great news that a mentally ill woman with a child and a background of trauma isn't taking up a prison place she doesn't need, and costing us thousands. I never made her a victim. 😆