Family and Friends Forum

They usually tell you to get there for around 10am. There will be a list of cases and you might get called first, or have to wait around for hours.

The Prosecution outlines their case briefly, then the Defence presents it's mitigation, which takes longer. The judge will probably pass sentence straight away, but there may be delays if the necessary paperwork isn't available.

In our case we were in the court building about an hour before the case was heard. My ex was remanded so I didn't see him until he was brought up to the dock. We were in the court room for about 45 minutes. The judge read the prosecution and defence submissions and he then discussed it with two others sitting with him. He went on to describe who my ex was, what he did for a living etc. He then described in detail what some of the Cat A, B and C images entailed. This was horrific and I really regret taking my 18 year old daughter with me. They then went on to discuss what would be in the SHPO. This was my persons first offence. He was given a 3 year custodial sentence. So all I could do was sob as my ex was lead away. I wrote to the Judge who said he was really impressed and touched by my letter but it made no difference. I had a brief useless conversation with his Barrister afterwards. There often is a reporter sat where you'll be. There wasn't one there on the day we were there so I thought we'd got away with that. 6 weeks later, the case was plastered across the Police social media, in the papers and on the radio. I guess you need to hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Be careful about who you take with you. All the best. X

Little Robin3, I am so sorry you had to go through all that. My ex husband has sentencing at crown court in January. He distributed A, B and C images first offence but his probation officer said he will likely get a community order yet his solicitor said 5 years reduced to 3.5 as he entered a guilty plea. Your experience tends to suggest his solicitor might be right!

I hope that both you and daughter are doing ok. I have decided not to go to court, and your experience has made me realise that is the right choice.

Calypso, the starting point for distribution of Cat A is 3-years. So unless your husband has some serious aggravating factors it should be 2-years with a guilty plea. That brings it into the possibility of being suspended but that's not guaranteed. It will depend on the age of the victims, whether he has been involved in a "network" of offenders, tried to profit from it commercially etc. He needs to show remorse and that he has tried to seek help for his offending behaviour.

But distribution in small numbers of Cat A iwithout those surrounding aggravating factors would be nowhere near 5 years based on what others have got. 5-6 years is getting more into "took the pictures himself" territory.

Calypso78, unfortunately he reoffended. We are waiting for 3 years now on what his second sentence will be. Its ruined my life and I can't see any way out. I'm terrified itll be in the press again like before. X

No matter what, they can't be trusted going forward. X

The judge certainly made reference to the fact that my persons case had taken so long to get to court and asked the prosecution to explain why. I can't say for sure though if this helped with the judges overall decision.