Stole from workplace

[Sorry]

Hi
i got suspended from work for stealing. I voided several items off the till and took the cash. I have no reason for this and it's totally out of character for me. I had had a few tough months with a bereavement and time off unpaid but know this doesn't justify risking a job I have held for 15 years.
I resigned on day I got suspended .I then received letter asking me to attend disciplinary meeting to which I replied declining saying I had resigned. Outcome would be same of me having no job.
I have since heard nothing from company but have heard that my managers have been discussing me on shop floor and several staff have been spreading
stuff round. Including the fact I am being sent to the police.
i am so ashamed of my actions and embarrassment I am causing my family. I have become a hermit as live locally to place of work.
My question is should employers not inform me if taking action and how long before I will hear anything. And how can I overcome them discussing in earshot of customers and staff exaggerating charge.
I know I deserve punishment but what is likely outcome if police are involved .
Thanks

[jaguarsuk]

Okay so you know you have done something silly and there's no point me being holier than thou labouring the point.

I see your logic in not wanting to attend the disciplinary hearing and for your employer would they be liable to pay you for a notice period if you resign and not if they dismiss you? That might give you an understanding of their official actions.

Regards the Managers discussing your situation openly, it is both unprofessional and could prejudice your ability to have a fair disciplinary hearing. If I were you if you are still in your notice period I would lodge a grievance with your employers HR directly.

It may be that your employer is considering informing the Police, if they do then an officer will contact you and you will be invited to attend an interview under caution. Inform the officer that you wish to have a solicitor and if you can't afford your own ask that they arrange the duty solicitor.

If you intend to admit what you have done to the police having a solicitor does not make you look bad or like you are in the wrong, it is your legal right and you should never attend a formal interview either voluntarily or after being arrested without one.

The key thing in determining theft is the intention to permanently deprive the victim of their money or goods. Depending on how long this has been going on will determine the intention.

In terms of outcome that will depend on a number of things.

Assuming you have no previous convictions, you show remorse, offer to repay the money and explain that you have not mentally been where you normally would be due to having had a few tough months with a bereavement and time off unpaid then combined with 15 years unblemished service with your employer I wouldn't be surprised if a police caution is handed to you.

If charged though there are possibilities of sentences ranging from community orders, fine through to custodial sentences depending on the value of the goods along with mitigating circumstances.

It's unlikely you'll be handed a custodial sentence, plus even if you were it would likely be suspended for such a low level offence, but I'm a believer in preparing for the worst and anything less is a bonus.

[Matty B]

Hello
What a horrible thing to happen to you. No point in being judgmental.

I am assuming the value was low, that is a few pounds and not a few hundred or even thousand pounds.I also think a point that will decide if the police get involved will be if you were in a position of authority staff, supervisor, management etc.

So you understand the situation, my belief is that an employer does not necessarily have to accept your resignation if it is done during a suspension on disciplinary grounds although one of the legal people on here might be able to tell you. I think yoiu need to find out if they have accepted your resignation or have proceeded with the disciplinary.

The most important thing to do, if you are arrested ask for the duty solicitor. It might mean a wait , possibly in the cells which I am sure won't be a nice experience but the police will treat you with respect if you treat them with it as well. Do not engage with the police if they try to discuss the matter , just explain politely you have been advised to wait for the duty solicitor before you say anything. The worst thing that could happen is, you admit to something .and then they find something else to blame you for. It would just look worse for you

There is no point thinking about what might happen at the moment although if it is just a few pounds and a first offence (even a 2nd or 3rd) I would be very very surprised if the punishment was custodial so don't worry on that account.

I am afraid the wheels of law turn very slowly, particularly if the police or your employer want to check if this is just the first time you have been caught etc.

I am sure it will all work itself out - hopefully if it does go firther, the loss of your job will be seen as punishment enough as it can have consequences