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Pink Crab · Jun 7, 2008, 05:58 AM

Hi there,

I have a question regarding criminal theft at work. I have a friend that stole around 3000 pounds in about 5 months when he had been working there. He had been at work there for over 4 years and hadn't done such a thing. He had a good character but was lead into this act due to personal circumstances of life as he has described.

He is 23 years of age and has never had a criminal record, or has been involved with police ever until now, he was kicked out of his house by his dad, that was demanding 250 rent every month otherwise he wouldn't let him back in the house, and my friend diddnt have this sort of money, he had no one to turn to or to ask for help and so in pure desperate need made a mistake of stealing, money anything that would let him back in the house. Due to all the difficulties of financial problems my friend was facing, in PURE desperasion ended up stealing from the store he was working in, and used that money for his survival and paying rent to stay home.

He was only a part-time worker and wages wernt that great, he said he stole to get back into the house otherwise he had no where to go no were to stay and would be homeless and would be left to sleep in the park at some nights.

He says he knows he has done wrong and is sorry but says his situation lead him to his wrongful actions, but is not a excuse. Due to home circumstances and some domestic violence issues at home, lead him to this wrongful act. The shop does have evidence on cctv camera, and he has admit to it all, explaining his reason og circumstances.

He is from the Uk United Kingdom, Oxfordshire, so an answer in english law please.

My question is how long jail sentence is he likely to get, or any other sentence, basically what kind of sentence in this case is realistic? As this case is to go to court. Please if a realistic answer would be given, considering he has no previous criminal record and has never been in trouble with the law in the past.

Look forward to an answer. Thank you

Kind Regards

Pink

JudyKayTee · Jun 7, 2008, 06:14 AM

It appears this was not a one-time theft but something periodic, over time, in a sizeable amount, from an employer - your friend should be seeking legal advice from an Attorney, not opinions on a board. This is serious stuff.

excon · Jun 7, 2008, 06:16 AM

Hello Pink:

It's a long sad story, and I don't care. IF the UK is similar to the US, there is really no way to tell what kind of sentence he could get. It depends on SO many things besides it being his first offense.

A BIGGER influence into what kind of sentence he would get would be the quality of his lawyer rather than his innocent past.

excon

twinkiedooter · Jun 7, 2008, 04:15 PM

The law does not care what the circumstances were involved that your friend kept taking money in order to remain at home and pay rent. Unfortunately, now your friend is in more trouble. He will probably have to do some time in jail. Don't know how many months or years, but the fact that it was a repeat offense and not just a single offense will obviously make it a harsher sentence here. Sorry.