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Son to be sentenced at crown court

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Bobbie

Member since
June 2024

33 posts

My autistic son had his plea hearing at magistrates court today , he pleaded guilty to all 4 charges ( making in all categories) he has to go to crown court for sentencing despite the OIC assuring us that they consider him low risk and that sentencing would be done at magistrates. We saw a probation officer who was lovely with him and we have an appointment to see a probation officer in August for a pre sentence report , the solicitor however left court without even speaking to us as he had to be elsewhere . I believe we will need a barrister for crown court , do we get to speak to the barrister before court or even on the day ? We just feel in limbo at the moment

Posted Wed July 24, 2024 9:16pm
Edited Wed July 24, 2024 9:21pmReport post

Ocean

Member since
September 2023

965 posts

Hi Bobbie, if you contact your solicitor and ask them to support you with the Crown court hearing they should put you in contact with a Barrister or solicitor for crown court.
My son spoke with his crown court solicitor on the phone a week or so before his court attendance and then met with him face to face on the day of court and before going into court.
How is your son doing after being in court today?

Posted Wed July 24, 2024 9:22pmReport post

Bobbie

Member since
June 2024

33 posts

@ocean , thank you.

He is OK I guess , he was really scared in the court ,and he was upset that he has to go to crown court next .The hardest thing was having to go to the police station afterwards to sign the SOR . I mean he's 20 but arrested at 18 for offences 15-18 , he just wants it to be all over , he has a full time job that he's just had a promotion for and is starting to socialise with work colleagues , his life is changing for the better but this is hanging over him and he is angry with himself as he knows his sentence and SOR is going to impact so many areas of his life

Posted Wed July 24, 2024 10:31pmReport post

Ocean

Member since
September 2023

965 posts

I know what you're going through. I'm here too because of my son who is now 10 months post sentencing. It's been really traumatic but I can promise you and your son that life won't always feel so awful. I'm here for you if you want support.

Posted Wed July 24, 2024 10:40pmReport post

Bobbie

Member since
June 2024

33 posts

@ocean , if you don't mind me asking , what sentence did your son get ?

Mine is charged with all categories , most cat c around 300 , 40 cat b and 60 cat a .

OIC suggested he will get a community order , I do hope she is right

Posted Wed July 24, 2024 10:43pmReport post

EBP

Member since
September 2021

231 posts

My son was given a six month suspended sentence for two years. Community service & probation 'engagement'. He met his barrister on Crown Court day & barrister also spoke to us parents. Barrister was very good & probation pre-sentence report was blunt but fair. Barrister cost £1500.

It's another hurdle to get past.

Best wishes for a positive community based outcome.

Posted Wed July 24, 2024 10:46pmReport post

Bobbie

Member since
June 2024

33 posts

@EBP, did the pre sentence report recommend a suspended sentence?

Posted Wed July 24, 2024 10:50pmReport post

Ocean

Member since
September 2023

965 posts

My sons offence was communication. He received a 2 year suspended sentence, 300 hours community service, a fine, 10 years SOR and 10 year SHPO. It completely ruined his life. His marriage ended, he lost his home, his job and his family life. 10 months on he is slowly rebuilding his life and after being in therapy for the last couple of years, has gained self awareness, self esteem and self confidence.

His pre sentence report recommended that his sentence could be managed in the community.

Posted Wed July 24, 2024 10:58pm
Edited Wed July 24, 2024 10:59pmReport post

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