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Attending plea hearing

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Inthemoment

Member since
February 2023

358 posts

Posted Mon October 16, 2023 7:23pmReport post

Did anyone attend the plea hearing? Was it helpful if you did?

I want to go to support my person but not sure I can stand all the waiting around on the day

Melody8

Member since
March 2023

8 posts

Posted Tue October 17, 2023 12:02amReport post

Hey, I went to plea hearing. Was at 10:30 and we were out by 11:30. It's not a nice place to be. But I wanted to know everything that was going on and also to see if media were there. Good luck

Inthemoment

Member since
February 2023

358 posts

Posted Tue October 17, 2023 6:06pmReport post

Thank you, I went and I was so glad I did. I was able to correct some inaccuracies and was also able to demonstrate to the judge my support which led to all bail conditions being dropped.

It's pretty chaotic though isn't it! And difficult to hear some of the details. But I'm glad I went

Jkd

Member since
October 2023

25 posts

Posted Tue October 17, 2023 6:27pmReport post

May attend hearing not sure if all the horrible details will be mentioned nerve wracking never been in this situation and first time will see the family member.

Needhelp

Member since
July 2023

47 posts

Posted Tue October 17, 2023 7:22pmReport post

You said that you were able to correct some inaccuracies ? What do you mean by that as wouldn't the solicitor do that anyway ?

Inthemoment

Member since
February 2023

358 posts

Posted Tue October 17, 2023 7:40pmReport post

There was a mistake made with my person's name which brought up someone else's criminal record. Also an error made with an address. It all happens so quickly when you're in there it was excellent to be able to tap the solicitor on the shoulder and prompt him to correct those errors immediately in front of the judge rather than him having to confirm afterwards (he is an excellent solicitor but these issues can happen 'on the day' sometimes). My person didn't feel able to speak up himself in the pressure of the moment. He also forgot all the key dates immediately and although the solicitor will email everything through, me remembering them takes away any stress for the next couple of days whilst we wait for the next consultation and written report.

I was also able to confirm in person my support of him which supported the judge in his decision to drop bail conditions and say he wanted the pre sentencing report to consider the potential for a community order. Obviously nothing is guaranteed and he made clear custodial is still possible due to the cat A. The solicitor was also hugely influential within this - he was the most important influence in the room, exploring the options and ensuring the judge had the fact my person stopped offending years ago at the forefront of his mind, but I do think my presence also helped.

Daffodil

Member since
March 2022

965 posts

Posted Tue October 17, 2023 11:47pmReport post

Post deleted


Edited Tue October 24, 2023 9:12am