Client Accused of Theft - Caution Obtained

Case study summary

We were instructed to represent a vulnerable adult at a voluntary interview, in relation to an allegation of theft. He admitted the offences and we drafted a prepared statement which persuaded the police to deal with the matter out of court.

Case study

Our client was a vulnerable adult who had stolen a mobile phone, credit cards and car keys belonging to another. He later disposed of the credit cards and keys in a near by bin and the owner located the phone to the clients address using the 'Find my iPhone' feature. After reporting this to the police, the client was invited to a voluntary interview.

We attended the police station with the client and in consultation he informed us that he was guilty of the offences. As this was the first time the client had committed an offence, we put forward a prepared statement on his behalf and persuaded the police to deal with the matter out of court.

The client avoided being charged with theft and received a conditional caution. This meant he was required to pay a small fine for the loss of the credit cards and keys but was not prosecuted through the courts.