Theft with a detacher

[PintStella]

Before I write this, can I just put it out there that I am already ashamed about what I've done so please don't rub it in.

On a Thursday, I commited my first crime by stealing aftershaves from Boots worth £270 and stupidly, I returned on the Friday because I thought nothing of it. I had a bag full of stolen clothes from that day (Friday) and was caught in Boots. I paid for the stuff I had taken the day before and the police came and charged me in the back room. When they searched me, they found my security detacher (this legit only arrived on the Monday of that very same week and I kept the envelope in which it came in incase they don't believe me).

The police charged me there and then so I have a criminal record and now I'm just waiting for a letter from the PF - what is likely going to happen to me?

This is my first offence and is very out of character for me but 3 weeks prior to this I was hit with a pile of bills which I assume triggered the need to be reckless, on Top of coming off of medication - I just wanted to lash out.

help please x

[Amethyst]

Are you in Scotland ? ( Just as you mention the PF )

http://www.copfs.gov.uk/involved-in-...ith-an-offence

[PintStella]

Amethyst Yes I am

[2222]

The sentencing guidelines are here:

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk...shop-or-stall/

I'm no expert, but my interpretation of the guidelines is:-

Assuming your thefts are under £1000 in value, you're category 2.

Culpability might be C – Lesser culpability, ie:

• Performed limited function under direction
• Involved through coercion, intimidation or exploitation
• Little or no planning
• Mental disorder/learning disability where linked to commission of the offence

The detacher does definitely not help, though, and the court might decide on culpability level B.

On the basis of C, you're looking at a fine.

If the goods were valued a bit over £1000 or they think you were culpable at level B, then you're looking at community service.

As a first offender you'd be treated more leniently within the guidelines. Will you be pleading guilty?

[PintStella]

Thank you, that's taken some of the edge off.

I will 100% be pleading guilty, I know for a fact I've done wrong so it'd do nothing for me to plead not guilty.

I would rather community service over a sentence, that's for sure.