What are community sentences?
When someone is convicted of a criminal offence, the court has several sentencing options available. A prison sentence is not always appropriate, and courts will often consider alternatives that allow the offender to remain in the community while still facing meaningful consequences for their actions.
Community sentences sit between a fine and a custodial sentence in terms of severity. They require the offender to comply with certain conditions while living at home and, in most cases, continuing with work or family responsibilities. The aim is to help the offender change their behaviour, keep the public safe, and cut down the chances of further offences.
The two main types of community sentences are the Community Order and the Suspended Sentence Order. Both were introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and continue to be significant options in how courts may deal with offences that are serious but do not necessarily require immediate imprisonment.

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A Community Order can be given for offences that are punishable by imprisonment. The court attaches one or more requirements that the offender must complete. These requirements are tailored to the individual and the nature of their offence.
Common requirements include:
- Unpaid work, sometimes called community service, for up to 300 hours under current guidelines
- A curfew, often monitored by an electronic tag
- Drug or alcohol treatment programmes
- Mental health treatment
- Supervision by a probation officer
- Attendance at specified activities or programmes
- Exclusion from certain places
- A residence requirement specifying where the offender must live
A Suspended Sentence Order is different. This is where the court passes a prison sentence but suspends it for a set period, typically between six months and two years. During this time, the offender must comply with requirements similar to those attached to a Community Order. If they breach these conditions or commit another offence, the court can activate the original prison sentence in full or in part.
The specific requirements attached to either order depend on the offence, the offender's circumstances, and what the court considers most likely to prevent further offending. Sentencing guidelines help judges and magistrates decide which requirements are appropriate in each case.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
The role of the Probation Service
The Probation Service, which operates as part of His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), manages community sentences. Following a restructure in 2021 that unified the former National Probation Service with Community Rehabilitation Companies, probation officers now supervise offenders, monitor their compliance with court requirements, and provide support to help them move away from criminal behaviour.
If you receive a Community Order or Suspended Sentence Order with a supervision requirement, you will be assigned a probation officer. You will need to attend regular appointments and may be required to take part in programmes designed to address the factors behind your offending. This could include courses on thinking skills, managing anger, or dealing with substance misuse.
Probation officers also prepare pre-sentence reports for the court before sentencing. These reports give the judge or magistrate information about the offender's background, circumstances, and the likelihood of different sentences being effective.
Since the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014 came into force in February 2015, anyone serving a custodial sentence of more than one day is subject to at least 12 months of supervision upon release. This period of supervision is intended to help with reintegration into the community and reduce the risk of reoffending.
What happens if you breach a community sentence?
Failing to comply with the requirements of a Community Order or Suspended Sentence Order is taken seriously. If you miss appointments, fail to complete unpaid work, or break other conditions, your probation officer can initiate breach proceedings.
The court then decides what action to take. Options include issuing a warning, adding further requirements to the order, or imposing a more severe sentence. For a Suspended Sentence Order, this may mean serving some or all of the original prison term.
The response depends on the nature and seriousness of the breach. A single missed appointment might be treated differently from persistent non-compliance or committing a new offence.
If you are facing sentencing or have questions about community sentences, current guidelines and detailed information are available on GOV.UK. Sentencing Council guidance also sets out how courts approach these decisions.
I have a MED3 note from my GP stating that I am not fit for work but this is not being accepted and I am being told that I will have to return to court as my probation officer has stated that I am not complying with the court order.
Can the MED3 note be discounted by my probation officer or do I need to go back to court and raise this them?
friend got into trouble and is on probation for assault with intent. He now suffers with schizophrenia though a breakdown. Doesnt work. .... but is being hounded by speeding fines from his past .... they want payment immediately but cant pay untill next week. Can he go to prision
I wondered if someone could help, my ex admitted assault by beating in Jan 2020 to myself. He was given a community order and probation for 2 years. In the 2 years during probation can he come anywhere near me?
I have a non-molestation order at the moment which runs out in March but worried I won't get an extension and he will come round.
The day came where I could not take the police abuse aswell as my partner's anymore.I chased him ,I wanted him to die I was in so much pain I couldn't understand how I could feel it...
They put me in prison ,people asked what I was in for and I didn't even know...
Metropolitan Bury St.Edmunds Police
Me and my ex partner are separated with me having a new partner. .
2 years ago I called police to him “kicking off” at my property to which the police attended he was refusing to leave , they went to his property where he got Arsey with them and declined arrest for 10 hours and later got remanded for having 2 CS gas in his property. He was not charged with anything to do with myself , but got 29 months for firearms .
He went to prison and me and the children have had regular visits , and made a good friendship and mutual ground , we had plans in regards to the kids for when he returned ( not in a relationship )
When he was released from prison his lisence condition was that he can’t contact me or come to my home etc even though he wasn’t convicted of anything to do with me , and the judge hasn’t recommended no contact me . I’ve been visiting the prison for 18month with the children which his then probation officer new and was fine about . Now I’m being told we can’t have contact for 12 months .
Is this allowed ? Seeing as his sentence is for possessing firearms in his property
Also I rang the probation officer who told me if I wish to discuss anything with him then I am to write it in a book and give it to her to check before she allows him to read it . Am I right In reminding her that I’m not on probation or under any obligation to do that due to the fact I have no conditions on me ... so actually I could text him what I need to say , and it’s only if he replies that it’s breAched . He hasn’t breached if I’ve messaged him as I’m not the one who’s got conditions?
Also does anyon know if I have any rights to be removed off the conditions ?
Sorry for the long post ha ha
When he came back thay rest him we waiting for court.... What he can expect in the worst outcome.
Thank you
The system is a joke. Found out later the police tried to get me back in the house with the man that attacked me. Tell your daughters to be careful because the police hate women and have no idea how to handle cases like this. I was threatened with jail time if I took the matter with the man any further so I believe their may be corruption with Bromley police.
I recently had court cases adjouned by the Family courst with no notice given by the court office, Hearing cancelled 30 minutes before hearing was due to start (by Judges)
6th Dec 2019 - £1,800 ( my legal cost)
6th July 2020 - £1, 200 (my Legal cost )
Same court case
Can I get the court to pay my court fees of £3k? Thanks
Spared 8 years in jail...
I cannot answer your question if you exaggerate
get in trouble fine of 1000 pound and pay back and he had some changes in is life and a lot of health problems
and mental health he had sick notes
and because of missing probation
he done most of is tag so he had it taken of he gone to court thinking he wouldn't go to jail and he had
sick notes for missed appointment
i need help on how to appeal with is case evidence he has to say he been I'll alone side is hospital appointments and don't think it's right he been sent too jail with all the in payed and fine and tag he done and not taken any of that in to it and sent him to jail no one helping him to understand things when he as learning disabilities I need to get help on trying to appeal on it anyone help me thanks
So on his professional advice I did. What a fool was I. I now have 3 Assaulted and Battery charges and 2 for criminal damage.
I did not commit 3 of these offences and I understand we all say that but I didn't.
He kept telling me to plead guilty he wore me down so I pleaded guilty.
What a fool was I.
At the magistrate court hearing nothing that happened to me came out. I was assaulted by 2 of the so called victims. One who says he is disabled but still is able to drive an articulated lorry. The magistrate's say it was a hate crime.
I have constantly been indimitaded by 1 of the umm victims.
I have scars on my body and 1 of the victims states in his witnessed statement he pushed me over. My partner was hit over the head by the victims and had to go to hospital.
As I at the time of court had a sick note due to anxiety and stress I was unable to do comunity pay back.
They sentence me to 5 month curfew from 7pm to 7am 7 days a week.
My family live a 3 hour drive from me. My mum is in a care home in the final stages of dimension. My dad is 86 has cancer and other major health issues but those lovely magistrates did not give a dam.
I might as well have gone to prison.
This was my first effence. Even the prosecutor was shocked at the harshness of the sentence.
I am totally devastated as I am unable to see my family.
For all of you in this situation I wish you the strength to get through this.
I am totally devastated.
What does the 25 rehabilitation order mean? And suspended sentence? I’ve not heard from him in 2 weeks as I live in Scotland and I’m worried he’s ended up in jail and I have no way of finding out as I don’t know how to contact his family. Can I find out if he’s in jail?
I have around 90 hours of community work still to complete by November 2019.
Due to many stand downs by the Probation service, I may not have the time to complete the hours?
Will the sentence be revoked after the 12 months has passed?
Thank you.
I was charged to court
Got guilty
Pls will this affect my stay
Cus I still don't know why the MET police did all that..
He's been ordered to do 200 hrs community service and has to do this on a Sunday from 9 until 5.
He also has to go to an anger management or some sort of family course from Monday evening from 5pm until 7pm.
This seems excessive as he works pretty much all the time and Sunday is the only time he can rest or see his family. His English is very poor and I think he's not been able to fight his corner when it came to this.
Is there a way he can get the community service reduced to say, half the hours on a Sunday?
My probation officer has stated that because I am no longer on the BBR program, the matter must go back to court and my probation officer feels that because I am not on the BBR program, the alternative of 1 on 1 sessions with my probation officer directly, to address my offending behavior, is not suitable.
I am concerned, as without an alternative, I feel that a judge is likely to sentence me to the original custodial sentence. I have no prior convictions and have not been in any incidents since my original arrest.
What options might be available to me in order to reduce the chances of a custodial sentence and is a judge able to quash the BBR part of the sentence on grounds that this was a decision made by probation and not from a lack of attendance or engaging within the program?
I am very concerned about this and would like some help. Thank you.
Thanks
So after 20 hours RAR, 140 hours of work, paying £300 fine and Horizon program can I migrate to another country before 2 years or I would have to stay here in UK for 2 years ?
We are now trying to work out with the addition of the breaches and further sentencing whether his sentence is spent or not?
My 19 year old son was at at festival with friends and found 4 pills in a bag in the toliet ,he lifted them to give to event security ,but they didnt believe him and handed him over to the police.The police questioned him ,then escourted him the premises and srnt him home.Afew weeks later he received a court summons and attended court on thst date ,the judge decided to not do anything at that that time ,but decided he needed more back ground info.Solicitor has advised as this is a first office he may be fined or community sentence.He had to go speak to a probation officer so she could get the info that the court need ,now this probation officer has said that I must give up my job (I work with young children in early years) or put my son out of his home .He is due back to court this week to find out what will happen,but this probation officer has phoned me 3 days in a row telling me if I dont inform my employers she will.
Is she allowed to do this, Can I be punished for my son trying to do the right thing this is such arsd
Earlier this week my girlfriend and I had another row and the police were called. I was not arrested straight away but they asked me to come in for an interview, saying that no statement was made by my girlfriend and they just wanted to talk to me. When the interview started she read out a police statement that said my girlfriend had told him I’d grabbed her wrists.
What is the likelihood of this going to court, and if it does, considering this is a breach of my probation again, will I face jail time?
and when the [property crash copplase happend thats when thinsg started to take a turn for the worst
but as usuall my wife was no where to be seen either out shoppin on net shopppin watchin tv or as usuall on the phone to her family
i started questionng myself an her as to why i was breaking my back often puttin in 60 hours a week an all she wanted to know each week an end of the month was can i have some money pls the bills are coming in thick and fast
i started at this point feeling abit used that as her nick name was which she use to remind so often princess but i was no king
in the end things got so bad my partners started doing the dirty on me making secret deals saying they wanted to quit then opening up the own sinilar businesses using my ideas i felt helpless degraged and there was nothing i could do
at this point we had to sell som of the houses to lowr our over head infact a few got repossed this all had a very big effect on me mentally an physical;ly in a big way soon i ended up in hospital a few operations later i found my self full time sick on medciatuon an out of work and business
i tried to start again went to re edcuate my self college uni night classes lirbatry readin books etc , all the while begging askin for her to chip in help out if not for me for the future of our 4 kids but no she didnt want to change it was me who was a looser it was me who was the fool the push over for gettin done over by my partners the one who was gulliable the one who fell ill the one who was weak feeble
her whole demaner at this point took a turn for the worst her whole charchter changed towards so much in that the love we once had was gone to the point she would share a bed with me , wouldnt share a meal with me an often wanted me out the house to the point of swearin at me cursin me esp front of the kids naturally this wound me up so i would react but really blow my top which i cudnt help then like my worst night mare she started callin the cops on me at times i wpould even know she had done it half way thru an argument she wud jus hit dial biutton after windin me up all the cops could hear was this mad man yellin an screeming
thinsg got so bad i got a one bed flat an ended up stayoin there a few nights here an ther as she said it was for the best an would giv us som much needed space so ther i lay often so ill unable to get out of bed not eatin for days confined to bed pissin in abottle whcile she stayed in my luxury flat i bought with the kids i didnt mind as it was the best thing for my kids
anyway evetually i slowly picked my self an found a new business to start up again this time i begged her said look lets learn from our past mistakes no more outside help ive got a good idea studied trial ran it for 2 years help me out but guess what she was havin non of it she began to act they way she did all them years a
Does this mean that he won't be eligible for HDC?
Once this is compelted do I still need to attend these pointless probation meetings and don't even get me started on the officer ive been assigned who nearly gave me a wArnish for not attending but I made 3 days worth of attempts to get hold of him to get a confirmed date.
So my question once I completed my C.S is it all over and can I get on with my life.
But I can't do it almost I do 6 to 7 days work
what shall I do who should I speak
I have now won my appeal at the crown court. So effectively the crime never took place. But the punishment did. Should I be entitled to compensation for the 100 hours community service I worked ?
Also. The wrong conviction directly ended my job as a security guard. The SIA would not renew my badge so I could not continue the job I had been in for 6 years. So the wrong decision by Scarborough Magistrates directly stopped my career. I believe I should be entitled to compensation for that ? How do I go about that ? Thank you.
Please advise.
My son's probation officer has asked him to provide a family tree going back to great grandparents to show his support network. He is supposed to provide names, ages and who knows about his conviction and who is supportive. We have asked all the people concerned and with the exception of one person all have said they don't want their details (names & ages) being used. They have said it is ok to put their relationship with my son and whether they know and/or support him but no other details. Is this ok ? Has his P.O. overstepped the mark by asking for personal & private info without asking for permission from the people involved ? C.K
me my partner split up and that iv been arested under section 39 common assult.
iv been arrested and not allowed contact with my ex wife and not allowed in the street. if i do im.braking bail condtions.
before i was bailed i asked can i go down to the property with a police officer and retive my belongings and he said yes when i signed my bail conditions and now they saying im not allowed i have no money no clothw no transport for work and the money and the buisness account is over drawn. where do i stand in getting my personal belongings company van and equipment as im the director folders etc
shall I chase it up?
Since when ot has been discovered thay he had a warrwnt for his arrest whixh he knew nothing bout it was for phrobabtion
He went tp a merting n was told he didnt need 2 come back he ttied ringing his hrobabtion pfficer and left emails n they never got bavk to my partner and noe he is up in court monday
This is hanging over me and cant move on with my life as i never know when it going to be done.
Stones suicidal that they e taken away the man I was planning to marry and share a life with. He's on bail so I can no longer see him
And has lost his job I feel my voice isn't being heard and are using the case for their best interest and not mine. He has a daughter he cannot see and the police are fabricating manipulative conversations I've had to make him seem like a monster. I need help as he is facing a prison sentence and I'm struggling to cope on my own.
I was given 10 weeks custody suspended for 18 month, 16 weeks curfew, £200 fine and 3 years ban.
It says on the reverse side of court papers ither you or your probation officer can ask to have the order changed, reduced or removed. I'm yet to hear or be allocated a probation officer, it's been 5 weeks on curfew now. Is there any hope of getting this thing off early?
I have paid off the fine in full but am not sure about community service.
Do I actively go out to seek it or does the court issue an appointment letter? If so, I haven't received one.
Where do I go from here?
I'm a very nervous middle aged woman and right now feel like ending it all as the stress is so much , does anyone have any advice ???
Also I suffer with very bad anxiety and depression, it got worse since I had my son and I'm struggling so much without him. He also helps look after my autistic sister a few days a week. Is there a way I can apply to get him out early as I'm having a mental breakdown and my sisters routine has been messed up?
I have a friend who has been given 100 hours unpaid community work. This is his first week and has completed 24 hours however he came home not well on the 4th day. He has not been given the total amount of hours a week however he is worried that he will be in breach for going home I'll. Does anyone know if this is classed as a breach.
Many thanks
He has been driving reguarly since court, in various cars that he buying and selling at an address he is not supposed to be at.
I have reported every car to the police and yet he still gets away with this. He has bought another new car today and this is getting a joke now.
Who do I tell and what can I do about this scumbag?!??
Thanks
he work 120 hours and finish the unpaid work hours in 10days from now.
If he ask the court after finish the unpaid hours to remove the curfew(date of remove from the court 1june2016) have change to they accept and release him?
thank you
My son was given a community order to serve in January 2015, which consisted of a fine and community service. He has now paid the fine off, but didn't do most of the community service, so was given a 12 weeks suspended sentence (suspended for 12 months) in September 2015. He has now committed a further offence (March 2016) and is in court next Wednesday. Will he automatically go to prison? His solicitor has told him to plead not guilty but I don't think this is a good idea as he was guilty. He is trying to get his life back on track since I kicked him out just over a week ago when he was arrested, because this was a wake up call. Is there any mitigation, because if he goes to prison this is going to knock him back again and he sufffers from depression and anxiety already. The offences that he committed where actually towards me and my property.
Is this approach standard or does it seem heavy handed.
My "offence " caused no harm to anyone no damage and no financial loss. The probation officer wants to help me change my "thinking" but will not accept any evidence I produce or any other view other than her own. I am at a loss as to what to do
Please can you advise
I have found myself in a situation in which I shouldn't be in. I was in a car accident on Boxing day 2015 in which a speeding van crashed into me as I was stationary. The crash sent me into what I thought at the time was shock but upon later analysis was discovered to be concussion by a doctor.
A passing police car pulled over and apparently asked me for a breath sample as I was acting "drunk" (my memory for the event and the next two weeks has huge segments missing) according to the police I refused and was arrested for failing to provide a sample. Not one person, including my lawyers listened to the actual chain of events. The police lied in their statements saying I smelt of alcohol. I do not drink alcohol, I am sober, I was also training at the time for a Muay Thai fight. It was a rather serious crash, both vehicles were written off, yet the police officers never called an ambulance to attend even though actin "drunk" is one of the signs of possible head injury.
I was sentence to 120 hours community service and my license was revoked. I lost my entire savings which I had invested into my career eventually leading me to being homeless, I now sleep on friends/mums sofas & floors. I could not afford to appeal & was told that if I did my sentence would be doubled.
I used to suffer from serious depression but have been fine for years. I can't bring myself to go, the thought of being forced to do a sentence for something I did not knowingly do is making me ill again.
I have been wronged by the system and it has ruined my life, I do not know what to do.
I have lost all faith in the judicial system of this country.
Please help.
When he gets out does he still have to do it or is completely wiped.
The police were called but couldn't enforce her to hand the boys back, advised my son to get a emergency court hearing, which he did she failed to turn up for a court summons, then breached the enforcement order, which stated as soon as she read it she had to give the boys to my son , she claimed she hadn't read it as she wasn't handed ito her in person as she was out , the solicitor e mailed it to her and knew when she opened the e mail.she singed a statement saying she hadn't read it , but she clearly did .
My son never saw his boys over Xmas he has them now for a week which he was agreed today at court.
My question is can she go to prison for what she has done, as the judge wrote it in bold lettering on the enforcement order if she didn't hand the boys to my son , it could be prison community hours and a fine ,
She is so evil and lies so much , she has to attend court on the 26 jan to see what the punishment will be .
If she went to prison would my son get full custordy of his boys .
Hope to get a few answers , thanks for reading
I would like to know what my rights are now she is in custody? She is registered as her primary carer. I am in the process of going to her doctors, dentists etc and having the address details updated to mine but I am really confused as to what I can do legally as I have a feeling that once her mum is released she will want to move due to the embarrassment of what has happened and also she will be on license for 7.5 months and probation for a further 4.5 months after that so if she gets arrested or in trouble for anything she will go back to prison.
I went back to prison thry said they cant disclose me any information due to data protection and i went to his probation officer dhe said she is busy cant enquire the prison i dont know what to do
Please do you have any idea how long hmp pentonville takes to release soneone who is over due by 4 days already . I m so worried
I need some advice here I don't want him to lose the job he fought so hard to get as I am struggling financially at the moment ! Thanks
Sorry maybe I didn't word it correctly. Community service is on a weekend so doesn't affect his work, it's just when he went on the Sat they had obviously cancelled it and not informed anyone, this apparently happens often which doesn't seem fair when it takes him so long to get to the meeting place AND probation they are last minute changing his appointments and they are during his work hours.
Thank you
My son served a prison sentence which was reduced with community service and Probation. He got himself a job as soon as he was released. He has probation once a week we live in a remote area so buses take over an hour to get to the city so he has to leave work early to get there, they made them for late afternoon because of this ( it's only been 3 weeks ) he received a phone call on Monday to say his time the following day had been changed to 10.00 so he had to tell his boss he couldn't work till the afternoon at short notice. He will miss 5 1/2hrs of work ( as buses take so long and we don't have them every hour ) instead of the usual 1hr off work. He's going to end up losing his job! Are they allowed to do this ? Also he has 200hrs community service. He catches the bus at 7.15 to be at the meeting place for 8.45. This weekend he did that and others turned up but the lift didn't so he had to wait to catch the next bus home so got back at gone 11. Apparently this happens often and the hours are not taken off his community service. Is that allowed and acceptable too ?
Thank you.
From a serving community payback officer!
If the officer is sending you back to court he needs three non attendances with no contact before the start time to do so. If you have called in sick more than once in a six week period get a docs sick line.
If you have a job the court must take this into account and comm service must not stop you from earning a wage as long as you tell them BEFORE you are due to attend for unpaid work.
For those who have the ankle bracelet if you let the company know in advance and the probation officer holding your order that you will be late on a specific day it would be likely that the courts would be unable to enforce the breach.
If you have breached an order and it is allowed to continue with no additional hours remember the officer only needs to give one warning to return.
There is know real difference between scots and English law in relation to CPOs.Orders can be and are regularly transferred cross border.
With regards to licenses data protection comes in here in quite a big way but if you are the victim speak to the probation/social work office closest to the court that the offender was sentenced at and they have a duty to tell you what has happened. The court system is difficult and most of the time people will tell you nothing about relatives and what has happened after a trial but there are charities who can help with the info. Look them up on the internet.
Any other queries feel free to ask but Im based in Scotland although rules are the same in uk for CPOs
My query relates to my ex. He has spent 3 of his 6 yr sentence in prison and was released on a 3 yr license last year.
Over the 10 yrs we were together, there were many incidents of domestic violence although his prison sentence was drug related. Once he went to prison my support worker helped me to move and contacted probation to put certain terms on his license such as not to contact me, come to my new address e.c.t.
However, this year when exchanging the children for one of his visits he assaulted me again. He was charged with this and his probation officer was made aware. He was not recalled and allowed to, for the next 5 months, continue to harass me. He followed me, he would pull up beside me and shout abuse, he smashed my car windscreen to name a few.
I am considering complaining about the probation services as I believe they allowed him to continue to terrorise me and the children when he should have been recalled.
He has been sentenced today and the Judge could not believe that he had not been recalled. When he contacted probation they said they had no intention of recalling him but were putting other things in place like more regular meetings. Only due to the judges persistence did they today agree to recall him.
My question is did probation disregard the safety of me and my children by not recalling him after the assault, then subsequently after this? Should he have been recalled because he not only committed a crime whilst on license but also against me who is at high risk AND is a condition imposed on his license?
I just thank God that nothing more serious happened because I may not have been here to write this message.
Thank you.
I have asked my probation officer and awaiting an answer but want to know what my chances are of being successful.
I've never missed an appointment and have kept all my terms of my license without any hitches. How does it affect me, if at all, and will my chances of being able to go abroad for a week be lessened because I'm on licence?
A back door restraining order put in place without notice at an unconnected hearing despite no violence or intimidation.
A defence who didn't represent me with real evidence they had to hand because all the way along I suspect it had implications for the CPS and they pulled rank with them.
At the last hearing the Justice clerk disappeared behind scenes with the Magistrates to assist them with Legal advice but I have never know where a Clerk goes out back! I had asked my case be heard out of area. My former friend worked at Wessex, Surrey and Sussex. I have noted several contraventions to CPS guidelines in my case and I believe with skilful prosecution
they were able to present a case far more serious than the ludicrity of a situation which was exacerbated by the mishandling of the case. I am devastated to receive a 12 month suspended sentence, a restraining order against me for 5 years with conditions of where I can and can not go local to where I live. I was also ordered to pay £1580 to prosecution costs despite being destitute with mounting debts! My offence was emails in the moment of crisis! My former friend has knowingly 'policed' me throughout a mental breakdown which included her policing my Facebook! My life is in tatters and I have no idea how to pursue a course of action or how to bravely expose the abuse of process. I have alt of evidence. Please advise how I go forth with this in order that I can move forward from this judicial nightmare to pick up the pieces to my life.
Mine is in for the same thing, how long has yours served? Mine is on remand until Feb then I think he will get 5 years he is just a stupid collector!!!
I want to know whether he would face another sentence for being unlawfully at large.
I also want to know if he faces just the 28 days standard recall or likely to spend the 5 months licence he had outstanding back behind bars.
He wants to hand himself in without being humiliated at the airport. How best to do this.
I have just graduated from uni and seeking a job, some jobs ask if I have previous criminal convictions and I'm not sure whether I still need to disclose it as I've done the hours and it has been over a year now.
Please Advice
i was sentenced in may 2015 for fraud and got 200 hours of unpaid work and repay all the money back, did not get a suspended sentence, but it was my birthday on first week of august so i told the area manager of probation i would not be attending for 1-2 weeks as im going away on a trip and he said that would be fine but now my probation officer has sent me a letter i have missed one day and i am returning to court.
what can the outcome be if i go back to court? i have done 120 hours so i have left 80 hours
a decision which may mean he could be sent back to prison. I'm afraid we can't advise whether this would be the case, as we can't predict what the judge may decide. However, if he has kept records of the calls made and the reasons why he could not resolve the issue, plus the fact he has a job which he could lose, may go in his favour.
My boyfriend is in the process of a drink drinking conviction. He has been to court twice to be told they they havent got sufficient evidence. He is due to go back to court in August, and has just been told they have found all the correct evidence. We have a pre-booked sabatical for 3 months coming up, will this affect his right to travel if he has to carry out Community Service?
Thanks
My sons was not found guilty.The defense for the abusers tried to "destroy" his character in court.he has been vulnerable and was at a special school,he is adopted.He is black and there wasn't one black juror.The police said he was their best witness..he was badly abused. They are to be sentenced soon.Can we appeal against the jury's decision? The judge praised my son even though a no guilt verdict was given
Taj
What happens next ?
Will the fact that he has not attended his Community Service or kept any of his Probation Officers appointments be taken into any account?
And if we find him can we make a citizens arrest?
I've rang twice and both times I've been told I'll be contacted back. It's been over 5 months now. What will happen? Is it my fault even though I've spoke to people at reception at my local office on two occasions and both times I was told they couldn't book me an appointment and that my probation officer would get back to me?
I am the wife of someone in prison that has had a slanderous allegation made about me
by the probation service, the complaint was upheld,but the local boss of probation service
is refusing to meet with me,the ombudsman cannot touch the complaint as im not the
prisoner.I am only his wife!!! Any ideas anyone???
I have recently been in court regarding a civil case relating to an RTA that never happened. The guy has changed his statement regarding 'swerving to avoid' to 'being hit from behind' by me on a night when I was charged with drink driving and leaving scene after myself crashing my car.
The solicitors firm are known for this kind of ambulance chasing strategy but have yet again won as the judge advised I 'stick to the facts' regarding the claim not being served at my current address.
The insurance are liable to pay but are intent on trying to get over £20,000 from me in installments, I am not willing to pay as I know it is a pack of lies and to anyone reading it is obvious. When in court I represented myself and was torn apart by 3 QCs. How can I complain about this and get it investigated as it is fraud plain and simple!
I was going to contact the legal ombudsman but it seems they only deal with 'Your' solicitor. Advice needed!
Thanks in advance!
I was given 100 hours unpaid work and that was all. My question is will I have a criminal record now and do I need to tell my employer as I work with kids?
Thnaks
The theft I am charged with is not on the filtered list. What does that mean? Will it now show on the DBS?
Theft 1968 s.1 is my conviction and it's not on the filtered list.
Many thanks.
RL
I recently got a non molestation out on my ex partner. He is currently on kerfew will his probation officer be made aware??!!!
As far as I can see it penalises the poor working classes as harshly as possible, even for minor misdemeanors whilst often showing compassion to other serious offenders involved in rape, murders or child molestation.
Yesterday he was arrested on suspicion of an offence but was then released without charge and the police said there will be no further action taken.
Will his probation officer be informed of this and does he have to tell his P.O what has happened?
Thank You
Thankyou
...Wich ive atend onli 40..Then i had to go back to mi country due mi father been diagnose with cancer...Didnt had the means to come back...Are they gonna put me in jail??Or is it posibile to hime more hours off unpaid work??I want to tuen miself in but im afraid they will sentence me...Can get an advice plsss..Thank you
I am currently unemployed and I'm having trouble claiming benefits. I have no money. I need to get to a probation office in my local area, (which is Coventry) I'll struggle getting to Birmingham - the office I have been assigned to.
I live miles away from Birmingham and my probation officer has refused to allow me to move.
It is ridiculous. The only practical way of getting there is train, in which I cannot afford.
I want to know if i can have my probation office changed, and where I stand legally with my probation officer, as she is forcing me to travel illegally (without a ticket).
I face being in breech of my order by not attending, but I simply don't have the funds to get there.
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