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 only costing the person she stole from tens of thousands.... yay!

A prison place was unnecessary. Paying it back is.

And I'm dubious about the psychology degree. Having worked in a psychology department for nearly 20 years, the most difficult students were those who came to learn about themselves, and failed to realise it's very stats heavy and not counselling.

SayIng that I wish her luck if she pays the money back and learns something.

The money was stolen either way. If she went to prison, there'd be no financial penalty OR compensation. Community based disposal however, she'll be paying it back. Know what you're talking about before being such a silly billy.

🙄 'silly billy'for not saying 'oh well you stole nearly 40k from your employer you poor lamb. Don't worry, in soft touch criminal justice we concentrate on you and your feelz!! How dare anyone implicate your shitty, theiving is wrong....'?

You're getting very het up about things I never actually said. 🤣

Nope.

What to expect from sentencing at court on Friday.

29 pages in and judgement from little miss nobody pops up and nobody gives a fuck. Move along now dear it's all done and dusted. 😘

@WhereIsBebèsChambre hi and thank you for your comments. Yes any assets that I have and earnings will go towards paying back what I took. There was never any question of that. As well as the suspended sentence and curfew, had I not got the suspended they wouldn’t make me pay it back. I offered when admitting guilt to always pay back what I took. I’m not playing victim, I’m taking responsibility and will continue to do so.

Thank you again to those on here supporting me. 🩷 I hold no bitterness or hold back on answering questions to those who hold this as not right. Everyone’s entitled to an opinion but I thank those for staying kind as always x

@murasaki thank you for your comment. I’m curious to why you say your dubious, is this you think someone with a criminal record and mental health condition wouldn’t be able to complete the degree or from own personal experience it doesn’t work out for them? Or they shouldn’t be doing it? I’m happy to hear x

Did writing this make you feel better about yourself?

Thank you again to those on here supporting me. 🩷 I hold no bitterness or hold back on answering questions to those who hold this as not right. Everyone’s entitled to an opinion but I thank those for staying kind as always x

You are an incredible human being @Ladieunlucky .

I hope the critical posters on here are satisfied now the OP has confirmed that her assets will be taken to repay the money.

And let’s not forget, this is money that hasn’t actually been proven as stolen - OP recollects taking £5k, but no more. The victims weren’t required to prove the other £30k because the OP was overcome with guilt and remorse and just accepted the charges without proof of the other £30k.

Clearly, there is a debt of £5k that the victims are owed. But as for the other £30k - there’s a very good possibility that a woman who experienced a severe mental health crisis is being financially exploited here.

We’ll never know either way and OP just wants to repay all the money claimed and rebuild her life.

Given those facts, if you still want to aim a kick in her direction, take a long, hard look in the mirror.

OP, a blog might be a really productive outlet and a great way to document your journey. You have been admirably candid and non-reactive on here so if you think you can cope with more of the same types of comments, you should absolutely go for it.

I’m absolutely fine thanks.

I’m not the one trying to stick the boot in to a vulnerable woman who committed a non-violent crime and has shown remorse.

if this thread ends up getting heated and taken down OP, and you do write a blog, please write a new thread to let us all know about it.

Hi all,

Please don’t waste your time arguing with someone who just wants a reaction 🩷 that’s what there here for. I’d love to keep this thread and I’m sorry some of you that are only showing support are now getting rude comments when they should be directed at me. Or in any case not at all. Stay non reactive and ignore, it’s not worth it xx

I think the curfew might be a good thing too for now. As its like an extra padding and blanket for yourself. It's almost kind! As it stops there being an option of a vulnerable episode taking advantage of some of the toughest times for a person struggling,which can often be those times of day.
I'm so glad your home.
Time for lots of soaking up of gratitude and home life.
Don't best yourself up now. Thst will only lead to more harm for your triggers. But it is a time to put your building blocks and walls in place. Ones thst can go as far as they can to stop or prevent(try to at least) things like this happening again.
That's not easy. You have to go agaosnt something part of you wants. You have to keep your illness quiet whilst you set up these blockers. As it wants to pull you back in. When your struggling with every day life even, this is when it wants to use you and when your poorly mind will want to use it to cope. So it's what can you do instead? What can you tell yourself? What words of wisdom do you need in that "tool box" to make sure your keeping safe. And keeping well even if triggered.
Life isn't rosy. And someone with mental illness needs everything in there armoury to mitigate a downturn spiral.
Do you have someone in your life that cpuld do this with you? Come up with your tools. Or cpuld you actually create one yourself even if it's just words in a book. A map of sorts for what to do,where to turn if things feel wrong.
Do you have someone who can keep checking in.
And someone to keep checking your feeling safe and able to take your meds!
Does your daughter understand. Is she someone that can pick up symtoms and then either subtly point you the right way or get someone who can(as obviously she can be a caring dd and help but it shouldn't add a weight to her) or anyone else in the family or friends?
It's about ypu now. And making sure your future is as bright and stable as you deserve it to be.
This wasn't your fault. It was a horrific Illness. And as those that have come on picking can all to easily shout how wrong it is then they should be thinking "fuck yes this is wrong. Imagine how awful one illness must be to control a person's mind so much they act in this way. That poor girl" because thst is the truth of it.
I think you have so much to give op. You cpuld even think about how one could help the justice system to jave better understanding of what faces them when someone with mental illness steps into the courts. Make sure others in the future has a buddy like you to keep them calm and steady through the system when it can so easily be stocked agaisnt them with no fault of their own.
But for you, thus is the best of news.
You've been quite lucky I think. This could so easily(sadly more often Is the case) have met with a huffing buffoon who had no clue about whst this illness is or does. I was terrified for you!
But you did it.
Think about how you were at the start of this all. Please do think. You were a mess.im sire ypur head was even starting to spiral again then! And you didn't think you cpuld get throguh. But bloody look at you. Every step you thoguht you couldn't ypu did ypu did. Thst is something to be so proud of. And to keep in that tool box of yours. To show you how strong and stable and a fucking fighter of a mind you actually have. And this illness doesn't need to define you or bring you cost. Because you. You. You are one strong kick ass lady who managed it. You did it. Hold that tight. Hold that light of strength tight
And go and keep going
Do everything to be safe,luv. Seriously it takes real guts actuslly to now be brave enoguh to keep well. Especially in a world full of tough times for many right now. You've got to work harder than others to keep yourself on the line.
Xx

We believe in you. So much.xx

Op, I've just read the whole thread and wish you all the luck in the world. You are an amazing human being xx

Hi all,

Dropped into a pit of self doubt again. Thought I’d be living life as you all said but I’m just looking in the mirror and feeling pretty ugly about myself and what I’ve done 😔 feeling like I can’t face anyone still - despite it being tradition to go out Xmas Eve for a few drinks I can’t bare to face the world. I’m also doubting my direction in life now and if this psychology degree is a waste of time. I’m getting great grades but I’m thinking I’ll never get a job with my conviction or into uni for a masters. Need to rid this feeling!

You can do loads of things with a psychology degree. You will need to disclose the conviction but I know people who've done that and got onto courses. A degree is useful for so many different things so just keep trying your best and get the best degree you can, and see where it takes you.

I think it’s pretty normal to feel how you’re feeling. It feels safer to feel sad now the process is over, I would have thought. Loads of people make really successful lives after being convicted. Have they offered any support regarding your feelings? Do you have a probation officer? Can they sign post you to some targeted support specific to your situation?

I was sectioned last year, which was a total shock. Had a hypomanic episode. Apparently it was mild but I was in hospital for nearly a month. I thought my life would never be the same but it 99% is. It took me a year before I could discuss it in any way other than a needs must with professionals. There was a little bit of support after I left hospital but I’m doing too well to be offered it anymore! I really wish there was an AA meetings equivalent for me.

Try to look forward and not back! Easier said than done I know.

this is going to sound weird but have a look at Monica Lewinski’s ted talks. She is very insightful as someone who made a mistake - obviously noting that the much older president is the person who should hold the most accountability! - and how she moved forward. She speaks very eloquently and is actually really quite wonderful at talking about moving forward

@Ladieunlucky you are expecting a lot of yourself when it’s been no time at all? It takes at least 6 weeks to get into a routine and you’ve got loads going on. You said your new employer has been understanding - just focus on that and your studies and please be gentle on yourself. Take it easy! Do what you want to ‘on the day’ and stay in if you want or go out if you want, but honestly don’t worry about ‘what you think people expect’.

You've been running on adrenaline for such a long time, you were bound to hit a wall at some point. Allow yourself some time to sit with your feelings, but please don't give up. You don't have to be defined by your mistake and you have a lot to offer (much of which will be because of - rather than despite - your recent experience).

Be kind to yourself and hopefully you'll be ready to go for that drink when Christmas Eve comes around.