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Magistrates outcome today

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Eye of storm

Member since
May 2024

71 posts

Posted Mon December 9, 2024 1:37pmReport post

Quick update we were in court this morning to give a guilty plea. First issue was my OH wasn't even on the list - an admin fluff up between police and CPS. Somehow the solicitor managed to pull a few strings and got us in first! Solicitor thought that was a possibility they might take the plea and sentence on the same day due to low number of images. However when we got there and given they hadn't expected us we were advised that the punishment would be more severe than if it was adjoirned to crown where he gets the opportunity to present his mitigations and rehabilitation examples etc. Crown date will be 6 Jan.

Then straight to the police station to sign on to the SOR. What a stressful and upsetting day, but we're back home now relaxing and trying to decompress a little.



Xx

lostinthewoods

Member since
September 2024

52 posts

Posted Mon December 9, 2024 1:49pmReport post

Oh how frustrating for you both! Is it really that hard for the police and cps to get it right? I guess they couldn't give a s@@t about the effect that the extra unnecessary stress has on people.

That said, at least you are home and can relax a little in the knowledge that at least he will get the chance to speak in court

xx

EllBee

Member since
April 2022

148 posts

Posted Mon December 9, 2024 2:46pmReport post

Mixed feelings I am sure, but I do think that having the chance to explain his mitigation and progress has to be the way ahead. Have been thinking of you this morning. Now have a rest, grab a blanket, watch a feel good film X

Exhausted

Member since
August 2024

11 posts

Posted Mon December 9, 2024 3:39pmReport post

Oh what a frustrating day for you, hope you are decompressing and looking after yourself. I just came here to say that my husbands barrister has advised us that crown court is generally better because the judges are more experienced overall and often you end up with a fairer sentence, given the opportunity to express mitigation and rehabilitation undertaken.
Hoping that this is the case for you, and that you can have a peaceful Christmas. X

Edited Mon December 9, 2024 3:41pm

CC2114

Member since
November 2022

14 posts

Posted Mon December 9, 2024 5:54pmReport post

My OH had the knock in 2022 and it finally went to crown court last week for sentencing.

His court date at the crown court was cancelled 3 times-twice nobody informed us and we went to be told to go home.

Last week I called the crown court the night before to check it was going ahead the next day to be told he had to go to a different court-again nobody had informed us.
My OH got a custodial sentence when a suspended sentence was expected. The barrister and the prosecution was shocked with the verdict. This was from a 20 day conversation from someone from a vigilante group. My OH was in the wrong but he had severe mental health issues and was an alcoholic with medical notes and references from other services to state this but the judge wouldn't take this into account and said he wanted to make an example of him. My OH has never been in trouble with the police before.
Over the 2 years we were waiting to go to court, he has got help for his mental health and drink issues. We constantly had to what's app the police to see what was happening with his case. We couldn't of done anymore if we tried!
I have come home this evening to 3 letters from the court to state he needs to register himself on the SOR-which he did before the sentencing!
The fact they have sentenced him to prison and then sent letters to our address when he isn't going to see them is a joke!
I feel like the justice system are not communicating with each other! We have had to do all the chasing and I definitely think it depends on the judge on the day what the verdict is.

I am not trying to be negative and I really hope you and your OH don't have the same issues as us. I am learning as I go along. Maybe I am naive but I thought the court put u on the SOR so I was shocked when we was told we needed to do it.

No-one is a winner in this. I don't condone my husbands actions but he had no pictures, not asked to meet. He had a on/off 20 day conversation.

I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy.

I hope you never have to go through what we have experienced xx I wish you both the best of luck xx

Lost in the dark

Member since
November 2024

8 posts

Posted Mon December 9, 2024 6:45pmReport post

We had a similar issue with the register.



No one told us at the court it was to be sighed and only 4 weeks later when the pre sentencing reports where being completed was it checked.

we were unable to reach the solicitors that day and that night the police did their visit and were unaware he had not signed the register!



they told him there were two police stations this could be carried out.



a week later a letter arrives confirming the signing requirements with a completely different station listed!



at each court appearance it's been a circus. The forensics report was not signed or dated, the solicitor for the CPS had not noted they will be requesting a SHPO and the list goes on!

Eye of storm

Member since
May 2024

71 posts

Posted Tue December 10, 2024 11:28amReport post

Thank you all for the love and support, it means the world. I agree crown does seem like the better option, I wish all this hadn't landed over Christmas- my heads a bit all over the place and I want to cancel my plans leading up to it because I don't have the energy to pretend everything's okay! Being kind to myself though and will see how I feel in the next few days before making any hasty decisions! I still need to live my life...

I forgot to mention, yesterday when registering on the SOR it was all done at the front desk of the police station. My OH was mortified. For something that's meant to be confidential there's certainly nothing discreet or sensitive about it. Likewise if the press get hold and publish it'll be common knowledge. Why oh why oh why does our government not recognise us in all of this!?



Definitely an eye of the storm kinda Christmas for me! But knowing you're all here is the strength I need to get through xxxx