Theft from previous employer

[KTB-18]

Hi all

I am looking for some advice regarding a theft I admitted from my previous employer in February 2020.

A little background into what led me to do this I had issues with debt in the past which spiralled out of control and led to me recieving CCJs. It had got to the point where I was being threatened with visits from the bailiffs which I had kept from my partner as this debt was from before we met. I guess you could say being in my early 20s I buried my head in the sand.

As an act of desperation to keep the bailiffs away I stole from my employer. This was the only occassion and was obviously caught, I admitted it straight away and the guilt was eating away at me. I was suspended for further investigation from my employer and had my disciplinary hearing a week later. I already knew I would be dismissed for gross misconduct and asked if there was a way I could pay back the money. My former manager said she would speak with profit protection for the company and would let me know. However we found ourselves in lockdown number 1 and thus never recieved any info from my employer.

I have been contacted by the police to attend a voluntary interview which I know is the start of potential criminal proceedings. I am currently heavily pregnant and could give birth at any moment as I am now very close to my due date. The investigating officer is going to contact me later today after speaking to a senior officer due to my circumstances. It is safe to say I am petrified about this and the outcome when I am about to become a parent for the first time.

I can't remember the exact amount I stole but it was just over £1000 but before this I was a model employee and worked extremely hard for the employer. I should also note I was diagnosed with depression just 2 months before this happened. I am now concerned this could return.

Thank you.

[des8]

No matter what else you do, do not attend the "voluntary" interview without being accompanied by a solicitor.

Either find your own (ask round local firms) or at least request the attendance of the duty solicitor.
This is free and your right.

This interview isn't "come in for a chat over a cuppa"
In this instance the police are not your friends.

Good luck

[islandgirl]

As I understand it you are entitled to free legal representation at an interview such as this - check it out and get the best one you can. Des8 is absolutely right - do not go alone.

[KTB-18]

Thank you both. I have just spoken with the investigating officer about this case and due to being heavily pregnant they are sending an officer to my home to do a notebook interview instead. I have been told I still have the right to advice either obtained by myself or using their solicitors. I want to get this sorted ASAP but it is also causing me stress and sleepless nights as I am now only a few days away from my due date. It is a very difficult situation given the timing but I understand they have a job to do so I am somewhat grateful they are making adjustments.

[islandgirl]

DO NOT SEE THEM WITHOUT A SOLICITOR (sorry for shouting but it is soooooo important)

[Matty B]

I can not stress enough how important it is to have legal representation - you are entitled and it is free at this point.

A scenario which might show how important - the police ask you about one theft, you admit to and maybe get a caution. Then another theft comes to light (same employer, different time) but now you have a caution on file so will be charged and when it comes to sentencing you already have a caution against you- see what I mean.

I am not trying to scare you, just protect you. I have no idea how much you stole but unless there are aggravating factors and it was a large amount (say over £20000) with legal representation I think any punishment will be manageable.

[KTB-18]

Thank you I am contacting the DSCC to find out more info as recommended by Citizens Advice. I understand it's a serious matter and it makes a lot of sense in regards to further thefts they could try to accuse me of (however this was the one and only incident).

I am hoping once I have spoken to a legal representative and given them all the information such as my mental health at the time of the offence as well as my previous good character for the company will go in my favour.

The interview is due to take place next Tuesday...unless I go into labour before then. I am trying to ensure I remain open in communication with the investigating officer and from what they have told me the person handling things from my previous employers side are understanding of my current circumstances.

Fingers crossed I can get some good advice ready for the interview and they should be able to be on the phone with me during the interview.

[islandgirl]

An offence has been committed and the information will quite possibly go to the CPS who will decide whether to charge. All the "nice friendly chat" will count for nothing. This is why you must have someone to represent you. If they cannot be on the phone do not do the interview but explain why you are unable to do so and say you are happy to reschedule when you can be represented.

[KTB-18]

Thank you for all your advice. I am praying I can settle this out of court and put the entire situation firmly in the past so I can focus on my family.