Family and Friends Forum

Impact statement for court

Notifications OFF

Hycinth

Member since
October 2023

97 posts

Hi All,

I hope everyone is doing okay. My husband is to attend court next week. I'm beyond anxious and it just brings up all the trauma of this nightmare again. His solicitor has asked for me to write an impact statement of a potential prison sentence. It would be great to hear any experience of this or advice. Also how much weight do these statements have?

Thanks

Hx

Posted Thu May 29, 2025 10:20amReport post

LisaMargeMaggie

Member since
July 2024

308 posts

Hycinth sending you a hug. Is this his sentencing hearing? X

Posted Thu May 29, 2025 10:29amReport post

Hycinth

Member since
October 2023

97 posts

Hi



Thanks for responding.

Lisa MM - its for Magistrates court. I know its meant to be administrative and for that they'll refer it to Crown Court. I'm trying not to be paralysed with anxiety about it all. I've got so much work to do with deadlines. (Sigh!) After all the waiting it seems to be going too quickly now especially considering the storm its about to unleash on our lives.



Little Robin - that was my thought too. Writing it has been painful and it's likely to have little impact.



Hx

Posted Thu May 29, 2025 1:30pmReport post

LisaMargeMaggie

Member since
July 2024

308 posts

Is this the plea hearing? My husband's is next Thursday. I am likewise busy with work and juggling childcare over half term but am not attempting to work on the day of his hearing.

Posted Thu May 29, 2025 2:34pmReport post

Ocean

Member since
September 2023

988 posts

Hi Hycinth, victim impact statements and character references are usually submitted for sentencing rather than plea hearing. I did a character reference for my son which was submitted to the judge for sentencing. He didn't read it out but did said he'd read it.
I know how terrifying the lead up to court is so sending you lots of strength and best wishes.

Posted Thu May 29, 2025 8:20pmReport post

Hycinth

Member since
October 2023

97 posts

Hi

I think his solicitor thinks a prison sentence may well be on the cards so he's asked me to write about the impact on our family if he goes to prison. His solicitor has my statement and i assume that he'll submit it to court. This week is magistrates court where its expected to go to Crown Court. Even though its meant to be a formality...I feel like my life is going over the precipice and I'm trying to hold onto whatever I can find.

Little Robin thank you for sharing your experience. I had no intention of going to either court hearings. Now I'm wondering if not going would weaken my statement?

I'm trying so hard to keep everything moving but it's really tough.



Thanks all.

Hx

Posted Sun June 1, 2025 6:37pmReport post

Hycinth

Member since
October 2023

97 posts

I'd prefer not to go. I know it's bad but I really don't know if I can handle the details and the trauma of the whole process. My child is my guiding light. I'll do whatever I can to protect him. I also have to protect my sanity.

Magistrates court is done now. Crown court is so slammed they're just putting names on a list and have said they'll let people know in due course. I wish I knew how far in advance they're booked up. I can handle the waiting if I knew a time frame. The reporting restrictions were reiterated in court. I'm absolutely praying that they hold.

Hope everyone is doubt as okay as one can be on this journey!

Hx

Posted Tue June 3, 2025 9:14pmReport post

Hycinth

Member since
October 2023

97 posts

Little Robin I feel for you

Sigh! This is do exhausting

Posted Thu June 5, 2025 9:49amReport post

Quick exit