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Hello all. I hope that this is in the appropriate thread.
I'm hoping that somebody can provide some advice regarding the above.
My story is as follows. In November I visited a Tesco supermarket but was only able to find half the items on my shopping list. I bought what I could and continued my shop in a nearby Sainsbury's. I need to state that I don't particularly like supermarkets. They're too bright and busy. Anyway, I scanned my items on the self-service till. When I placed a second bottle of wine on the 'counter' the screen stated that there was an 'unexpected item in baggage area'. As far as I was concerned, there wasn't. An assistant keyed in an authorisation code and I continued to scanthe rest of the groceries. I had to wait again, for an assistant to verify that I was old enough to purchase alcohol. The store was busy and I was getting frustrated. Eventually this was authorised. I packed the goods into my own bag (I always use my own bags) and left the store. I crossed the road and was apprehended by two security guards. I was initially confused but very quickly realised that I was still holding the debit card. I had walked out without paying. Whilst sat in the security room, I explained that this was a mistake. I was informed that the police had been called. 10 minutes two officers arrived. I gave my side of the story, the security guard gave his. I was asked to empty my bag, which I did having already explained that I had previously been to Tesco hence the other groceries. I was asked if I could provide a receipt for the Tesco goods. I couldn't as I had also used a self-scan till there and, until then, rarely picked up a receipt. I suggested that we go to Tesco where we could verify my purchase (although no receipt I presume that records are kept). This was turned down. The officer asked to search my bag. I agreed but warned him that there were screwdrivers and a Stanley knife in the front pocket (I have a part-time job assembling office furniture). The officer checked them and then told me that 'if he wanted to be awkward' then he could accuse me of using the tools for shoplifting. I told him that he was welcome to do that....but he would be wrong.
I was issued with an £80.00 fine which I have contested and have a Magistrate's Court appearance in two weeks. Whilst, yes, I did walk out of the supermarket without paying for the goods this was not done with intent. I have a clean criminal record and do not wish for this to be sullied.
I also take daily medication for depression. I hadn't taken my dose that day which does tend to leave me a little disorientated.
I'm currently seeking professional advice and legal aid. Is there anything else that I should be doing? Do I stand good ground of being found Not Guilty?
I'm a 38 year old male and am finding this all highly embarrassing, confusing......and worrying.
I'm hoping that somebody can provide some advice regarding the above.
My story is as follows. In November I visited a Tesco supermarket but was only able to find half the items on my shopping list. I bought what I could and continued my shop in a nearby Sainsbury's. I need to state that I don't particularly like supermarkets. They're too bright and busy. Anyway, I scanned my items on the self-service till. When I placed a second bottle of wine on the 'counter' the screen stated that there was an 'unexpected item in baggage area'. As far as I was concerned, there wasn't. An assistant keyed in an authorisation code and I continued to scanthe rest of the groceries. I had to wait again, for an assistant to verify that I was old enough to purchase alcohol. The store was busy and I was getting frustrated. Eventually this was authorised. I packed the goods into my own bag (I always use my own bags) and left the store. I crossed the road and was apprehended by two security guards. I was initially confused but very quickly realised that I was still holding the debit card. I had walked out without paying. Whilst sat in the security room, I explained that this was a mistake. I was informed that the police had been called. 10 minutes two officers arrived. I gave my side of the story, the security guard gave his. I was asked to empty my bag, which I did having already explained that I had previously been to Tesco hence the other groceries. I was asked if I could provide a receipt for the Tesco goods. I couldn't as I had also used a self-scan till there and, until then, rarely picked up a receipt. I suggested that we go to Tesco where we could verify my purchase (although no receipt I presume that records are kept). This was turned down. The officer asked to search my bag. I agreed but warned him that there were screwdrivers and a Stanley knife in the front pocket (I have a part-time job assembling office furniture). The officer checked them and then told me that 'if he wanted to be awkward' then he could accuse me of using the tools for shoplifting. I told him that he was welcome to do that....but he would be wrong.
I was issued with an £80.00 fine which I have contested and have a Magistrate's Court appearance in two weeks. Whilst, yes, I did walk out of the supermarket without paying for the goods this was not done with intent. I have a clean criminal record and do not wish for this to be sullied.
I also take daily medication for depression. I hadn't taken my dose that day which does tend to leave me a little disorientated.
I'm currently seeking professional advice and legal aid. Is there anything else that I should be doing? Do I stand good ground of being found Not Guilty?
I'm a 38 year old male and am finding this all highly embarrassing, confusing......and worrying.
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