Community Order Given for Repeat Offender

Case study summary

Our client, a drug-addict, avoided a prison sentence after being charged with robbery, theft, and assault. We worked with her to ensure we could obtain the best outcome possible, and persuaded the judge to impose a community order, even though she had previous convictions.

Case study

Our client was arrested and charged with robbery, theft, and common assault. Our client was no stranger to the system. She had previous convictions for theft related offences and was on bail while these offences were committed. This client asked for us to represent her in interview upon arrest, and following a discussion with her we advised that a no comment interview was the best way forward.

Following interview, we worked to gain an better insight into her personal background and offending history so we were fully prepared for the court case ahead. We also instructed a specialist barrister to represent her in court.

At her first appearance, the client pleaded guilty to theft and not guilty to the remaining counts of robbery and common assault. Having taken the time to consider the CCTV footage available we made sure to have an honest conversation with the client about where she stands in terms of the evidence against her, the law, and the likely outcomes. If this went to trial, there was a real possibility of a custodial sentence given her previous convictions. It was through these conversations that the client gained a better idea of the offence and understood that she had committed a common assault, therefore she decided to change her plea on this count to guilty.

Because of this decision a trial was avoided, the prosecution let the robbery count lie on file. To prepare for sentencing we obtained a pre-sentence report and ensured that the client history of abuse, manipulation, and drug abuse were highlighted to the court. Because of these efforts our client avoided a custodial sentence and was made subject to a 12 month community order. This would allow our client to get help for her drug problem and work to ensure that she does not commit any further offences, something that would not have been possible if she spent time in prison.