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Are magistrates allowed to do this??

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Ocean13

Member since
April 2024

83 posts

Hi all,

So my partner pleaded guilty (to get the case off his back) at crown court last week.

He's had to go back to magistrates today. He has learning difficulties so has gone with his mother as I am working, however they have not allowed her to go in with him.

I believe today is mainly to speak to the probation officer.

We are now really worried for him as he is vulnerable and terrified by this whole thing.

Does anyone else with vulnerable adults know if this is acceptable and have you had a similar experience? Also - what is your experience with probation officers and are they trustworthy? At this stage I feel I can't trust anyone in the police force/legal industry.

With each step of this, the whole legal system honestly blows my mind!

Posted Wed March 26, 2025 1:20pm
Edited Wed March 26, 2025 2:25pmReport post

LittleRobin3

Member since
April 2024

699 posts

Hi, if he's vulnerable he shouldn't be pressured into pleading guilty? He should be supported by his solicitor when he's in court. X

Posted Wed March 26, 2025 3:02pmReport post

Ocean13

Member since
April 2024

83 posts

Hi I'm not sure if I've worded it wrong. He has gone to speak to the probation officer but this was at the magistrate's.

He's had a solicitor for his plea hearing so far but this was completely on his own and it worries me that he's been made to speak to the probation officer with no support. Xx

Posted Wed March 26, 2025 3:19pmReport post

LittleRobin3

Member since
April 2024

699 posts

I'm sure someone will be able to advise but you could call the helpline or do the live chat and ask them. Wishing you all the best. X

Posted Wed March 26, 2025 3:36pmReport post

Inturmoil1974

Member since
November 2022

379 posts

If this is pre sentence report my oh had to go in on own so they could get a true gauge on where he was in the severity, the probation officer said it was vital to get an honest representation for the judge, my oh probation officer was great and down to earth made my oh comfortable, judge went with the report and recommendations

Posted Wed March 26, 2025 8:43pmReport post

Ocean13

Member since
April 2024

83 posts

Thanks for your reply innerturmoil! Do you mind me asking whether your OH also has learning difficulties?

I've spoken to mine since and he looks completely broken. He got really upset and confused and was eventually allowed to have someone with him after most of the questioning was done. From what he's told me it sounds very invasive.

I'm terrified that something could be used against him by the probation officer. During his interview, the officer handled it badly and he wasn't allowed any support, solicitor sat there saying nothing.

We've since had a private solicitor who requested the interview evidence and has said that how he was treated should never have happened.

Posted Wed March 26, 2025 9:22pmReport post

SoTired

Member since
March 2021

410 posts

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Posted Sat March 29, 2025 11:21pm
Edited Sun March 30, 2025 8:47amReport post

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