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Greetings Folks!

khafka — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 07:23:00 GMT

Hi everyone,

Long listener, first time caller.

I'm not really sure how to introduce myself but lets start with the offence, I guess.

I'm currently awaiting sentencing for possession of indecent images and the whole thing has just thrown my life upside down and really does show you who your true friends are and the horrible conditioning of the great British public (or Scottish public, to be more apt).

I have no idea the outcome if I'm looking at a prison sentence. If it helps; I was found to have around 270 images (6 of which were videos totaling around 15 minutes in combined length) around 1/3 of which were Category A. In the report these images were only "created" on my HDD on one day and were in an inaccessible portion of my HDD. The police (CPS?) confirmed they hadn't been accessed and appeared to have come down via a torrent I was downloading at the time. My solicitor can't even believe it even got to court.

This eventually hit a local paper last week and my life has now obviously shot to pieces with people putting me in the same bracket as Jimmy Savile et al. - This was furthered when a local Facebook vigilante group managed to somehow get a personal picture of me (no idea how, I don't have social media) and plastered me up for the world to see - When my friends saw it they let me see the mess too.

I did plead guilty to possession off the recommendation from my solicitor and on that diet hearing was the day the papers found out and of course made me out to be some kind of wild beast roaming the streets looking to snatch children like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or something. This has obviously led to me being suspended from work for their own investigation to see about the future of my employment - However, even if I did keep my job there is no way in hell I'd feel comfortable walking back into the building given some of the threats I've received from some of my supposed "work-friends". I've written that job off to be honest - My worry is moving forward in terms of looking for a new job and having to disclose this.

To be honest, I'm in a state. I haven't left my house in about a week for fear of a lynch mob chasing me down the street (bit extreme thought, but I'm sure some people on here understand). I'm just scared of the whole thing and what's going to happen. I have no previous convictions, the police have stated there is no pattern to show I am seeking all these images out. I'm awaiting a social worker getting in touch to go over my circumstances to put forward their views in terms of sentencing (I'm not sure if this is common or not). I just want this whole debacle over and to move on with my life but I know this'll never happen now. My life is never going to be the same.

My sentencing is in January so this is going to be a long month I feel.

I'm happy to answer any questions anyone may have about this - To a degree, I don't want to give too much information away that might identify me.

Thanks for listening.

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 07:23:00 GMT

[quote]

[b]JASB - 12 Feb 20 4:02 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 12 Feb 20 2:28 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 4:06 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 11 Feb 20 3:17 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 12:42 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]tedstriker - 11 Feb 20 12:21 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

[/quote]

Don't forget he is in Scotland, where the law is slightly different. The law, as applied in Scotland, says the notification period runs until the end of the community payback order. That has no relation to the amount of work, just the supervision requirement. You might think that would be the 6 months relating to the unpaid work, but as the other stuff is involved, that should take it out to 3 years. From down here in England, that result looks even better.

As for when it's spent, if he was given a SOPO, it's spent at the end of the SOPO, as in England. If there was no SOPO, then the law appears to say it's spent after...12 months.

[/quote]

You're spot on with it.

The 3 years is related to the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which I'm taking part in. That runs for 3 years.

I did get them to confirm that. One thing they couldn't confirm though was the potential for "time spent". As I've already been on the register for a few months now from when I pled guilty if it would count towards the 3 years. So I'm unsure about that. It would shave I think about 4 months or so off from it though but I honestly can't see it.

All things considered I'm pretty happy with the 3 year portion as in the grand scheme of things it isn't overly long.

[/quote]

Time on the SOR is normally measured from the first time you signed on at a police station. It's all in the law under "relevant date", and for a community sentence, the relevant date is the date of conviction, not sentencing.

[/quote]

Okay.

I first signed up all the paperwork at the station on 06/12/2019.
I received my sentencing on 10/02/2020

Would be notification requirements cease on 06/12/2022?

I have since been in to update them with various bits and bobs but it is from that initial date and not my sentencing date?

I'm also curious if it is worth putting in a complaint given by the Social Work as it was heavily pushed in the newspapers follow up this week about how in the report I seemingly only care and spoke about myself. I'm awestruck at that. How else am I supposed to come across when all your questions were actually about me? There was no mention in the report of all the charity and community work I mentioned that I've done for years both in raising money, donating money and a lot of my time too.

Feels like they wanted to create this villainous boogey man. Moving forward it looks like this social work person that did the report will be dealing with me moving forward which I don't feel comfortable about now, which is a shame as I felt really comfortable working with them before but I feel like a huge betrayal of trust and I strongly feel they will not be impartial moving forward with any future reports.

I also don't want to come across as being difficult, which I'm sure would go down in the report too.

[/quote]

Hi
Whatever SOR requirement length you was put on its start date is from the 06/12/2019.
In regard to the reporting; and I am not trying to sound critical of the "authorities", but it is PR. All I can say is that in my experience and those I have provided emotional support to over the years, the wording you quote is typical. For example I informed them I had met a female whilst I was visiting my father if Thailand - not a sex worker. In the pre-sentence report that went to the Judge it said I was involved in sex trafficking because I admitted to buying her meals!! Though later they verbally apologised, it was to late as it had already had the effect they desired.
Another way to understand the motive behind their words is to look at the wording of the charges made by the Police. They are designed to have maximum impact to gain support from a Jury, Judge, media and society to get a conviction.
My advice is read and "really understand" what they have written and try to understand it from their's and the victims prospective. Forget they are writing about you which will be hard.

Once you - in ways - understand the aim of the wording, you know then what "evidence" you need to provide to the "authorities" to change their reporting approach from basically an accusing to supporting style.

By "evidence" I mean demonstrating your remorse, your understanding of the emotional impact on your victim(s); remember victim(s) include your family and friends. I am sure you can expand on those examples.

I have learnt that it takes time for you to show that the words you use are "not excuses but explanations" so just complaining can be counter productive.
If you wish to complain do it by actions not words. You are at the beginning of a very emotional journey. The first point you must go through is your acceptance you cannot change what has happened. Accept that in your manner and the actions you do today: then tomorrow you will start a little wiser and possibly the beginnings of contentment will start to ease the emotional stress.

Remember if you cannot be a friend to yourself, how can you be a friend to anyone else.

Good luck and we are always around if you need any support.

[/quote]

Thanks for chiming in again, JASB.

Overall I'm feeling in a much more positive and better mental position than I have been during the whole last year or so. I'm sure you and other posters can vouch for how soul destroying, draining and daunting the whole thing can be. I'm happy now I have received my sentence and I can start to rebuild.

I actually doing the online modules through Stop It Now yesterday. This isn't a requirement from the court, this is something I've looked into off my own back.

I will definitely be sticking around here and hoping I can help someone in the future. Everyone on this forum has been fantastic, helpful and supportive. It's great to get a third party view on it. Sometimes advice you can get from your friends/family can be a little biased for obvious reasons so to get impartial feedback can really change your outlook on certain aspects.

RE: Greetings Folks!

JASB — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:02:41 GMT

[quote]

[b]khafka - 12 Feb 20 2:28 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 4:06 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 11 Feb 20 3:17 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 12:42 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]tedstriker - 11 Feb 20 12:21 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

[/quote]

Okay.

So if I'm understanding correctly.

I first signed up all the paperwork at the station on 06/12/2019.
I received my sentencing on 10/02/2020

[/quote]

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:28:55 GMT

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 4:06 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 11 Feb 20 3:17 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 12:42 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]tedstriker - 11 Feb 20 12:21 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

[/quote]

Okay.

So if I'm understanding correctly.

I first signed up all the paperwork at the station on 06/12/2019.
I received my sentencing on 10/02/2020

RE: Greetings Folks!

JASB — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 13:53:16 GMT

[quote]

[b]khafka - 11 Feb 20 3:17 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 12:42 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]tedstriker - 11 Feb 20 12:21 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

[/quote]

Hi
AB2014 is perfectly correct. I was on bail for a further 12 mths AFTER I pleaded guilty and first signed on 2 days later.
Do be aware that, as happened in my case, my PPU officer assumed I was put on the SOR and went inside on the same day which was wrong - he had not read my file as I was sentenced a year later.
Keep copies of all paperwork.
I had to show him both the Court papers and my copy of the first signing on to prove dates.

RE: Greetings Folks!

AB2014 — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 16:06:07 GMT

[quote]

[b]khafka - 11 Feb 20 3:17 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 12:42 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]tedstriker - 11 Feb 20 12:21 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

[/quote]

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 15:17:46 GMT

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 12:42 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]tedstriker - 11 Feb 20 12:21 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

Today was my sentencing and thankfully no custodial sentence!

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

[/quote]

RE: Greetings Folks!

tedstriker — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:06:11 GMT

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 11 Feb 20 12:42 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]tedstriker - 11 Feb 20 12:21 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

Today was my sentencing and thankfully no custodial sentence!

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

[/quote]

Well spotted! Good for him.

RE: Greetings Folks!

AB2014 — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:42:11 GMT

[quote]

[b]tedstriker - 11 Feb 20 12:21 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

Today was my sentencing and thankfully no custodial sentence!

Reading the social work report was pretty grim as they totally twisted a lot of my words and it came across as a less than stellar report of myself but we managed to clear up some of the things they said which is good.

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

[/quote]

RE: Greetings Folks!

tedstriker — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:21:04 GMT

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

This is great news. I would be wary of the 3 years SOR requirements though. That reads to me as if it should be 5 years?

RE: Greetings Folks!

AB2014 — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:52:27 GMT

[quote]

[b]JASB - 10 Feb 20 4:40 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 3:06 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 10 Feb 20 2:53 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:59 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:40 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:34 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

I hesitate to say "Congratulations", but it does sound like some common sense was applied. Let's hope your compliance will make the judge think again about his attitude. You shouldn't be surprised by the approach of social workers when writing reports - that seems to be standard practice. However, as you'll now be dealing with social workers, let's hope they apply some common sense as well.

[/quote]

The main comment with the social work which jumped out was relating to the possibility of a custodial sentence and my response to it. They stated that I showed a lack of respect to the court/justice system in my response. Thankfully the judge saw through that and understood my answer for what it was.

I was asked (after the questionnaire was completed):

Social Work - "So if you do get a custodial sentence would you look to appeal it?"
Me - "Well, yeah probably. I mean when you look at my crime and compare it to others of similar nature in the area, all of which never received a custodial sentence I think it'd be a bit disproportionate"

Social Work Report - Khafka proclaimed that he would appeal any custodial sentence which to me shows a lack of acceptance of his crime and a lack of respect for the court system

So yeah, that didn't paint me in a great light and considering the report questions were done I feel a bit aggrieved it made its way into the report regardless.

Out of curiosity - For future social work reports am I allowed to record them too. An audio recording just in case something like this happens again.

[/quote]

I'd say that if they record any meetings, you can either record as well, or make a Freedom of Information request for a copy of the recording. If they don't record, but just take notes, then you can take your own notes, and you can probably ask for a copy of theirs, or at least the relevant entries on your file. They might make a fuss, but Freedom of Information does what it says on the tin, and the Information Commissioner in Scotland should be happy to explain it to them if they don't comply.

[/quote]

Hi
In general terms and in regard as to asking for copies of their reports, you may find a readable and full version may be difficult and only supplied to a solicitor to maintain any delicate confidentialities - the offender is not allowed to see.
Also the main reason I have always be told is to protect individuals e.g. victims and authorities in case of offender "responses"

[/quote]

You may well have been told that, as some of them will use any excuse. However, that is what redaction is for. Freedom of Information is still a legal right and obligation.

[/quote]

Hi
Agree but I suppose I am just suggesting that "redaction" will probably be used on the elements most vital for the case. LOL

[/quote]

That may well be the case, and is another tactic they would find appealing. However, they are only allowed to redact information that would identify another person, and I'm sure the ICO would be interested in anyone using any tactics to thwart Freedom of Information.

RE: Greetings Folks!

JASB — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 16:40:44 GMT

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 3:06 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]JASB - 10 Feb 20 2:53 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:59 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:40 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:34 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

You may well have been told that, as some of them will use any excuse. However, that is what redaction is for. Freedom of Information is still a legal right and obligation.

[/quote]

Hi
Agree but I suppose I am just suggesting that "redaction" will probably be used on the elements most vital for the case. LOL

RE: Greetings Folks!

AB2014 — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 15:06:10 GMT

[quote]

[b]JASB - 10 Feb 20 2:53 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:59 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:40 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:34 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

You may well have been told that, as some of them will use any excuse. However, that is what redaction is for. Freedom of Information is still a legal right and obligation.

RE: Greetings Folks!

JASB — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 14:53:40 GMT

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:59 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:40 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:34 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:11:37 GMT

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:59 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:40 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:34 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

Hi peeps!

I thought I would just chime in and let you all know how I got on.

Today was my sentencing and thankfully no custodial sentence!

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

They never recorded any audio the last times. I want to be careful pushing it too much as they could well just end up giving me a stinky report that I'm being "combative" or something which I don't really want. It's tricky.

I know there is still work to be done but I feel a massive sense of relief now and that a huge weight has been lifted. I've been carrying this for a year now, not knowing what was going to happen. It's nice to finally have some closure on it.

RE: Greetings Folks!

AB2014 — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:59:56 GMT

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:40 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:34 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:40:27 GMT

[quote]

[b]AB2014 - 10 Feb 20 12:34 PM[/b]

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

RE: Greetings Folks!

AB2014 — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:34:58 GMT

[quote]

[b]khafka - 10 Feb 20 12:17 PM[/b]

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

[/quote]

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:17:03 GMT

120 Hours community payback order (would've been 200 but accounting for the early plea) over a 6 month period
I have to take part in the Moving Forward, Making Changes program which runs for 3 years
I will also be subject to the register notification requirements for those 3 years
I have a review in 3 months to make sure I'm keeping my nose clean and abiding by everything as the judge doesn't think I'll actually take part in any of this - I'm happy to prove him wrong!

So all things considered, a pretty good result I think.

RE: Greetings Folks!

Harmless — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 12:46:34 GMT

[quote]

[b]khafka - 13 Jan 20 12:31 PM[/b]

And here is your update!

As suspected - The social work department still haven't finished their paperwork so my sentence has been deferred again until next month. Yay, more waiting!

[/quote]

According to my Scottish lawyer, the cutoff for a jail sentence tends to be around 700 images so you might get off lightly.

You say you have no interest in working with children - but you'll find yourself getting chased away from children nonetheless. In the long run, the thing that'll irk you is a bunch of gratuitous, senseless, blanket precautions that make your life impossible. E.g. I thought getting a job as a film extra would be a nice, neutral job to just walk into. But because there might be 17yos on set later the same day, in a scene that has nothing to do with me, nnooope.

And the thing is, I'm under no restrictions (other than the register). So, I'm perfectly allowed to have a 17yo girlfriend if I felt so inclined (it would be odd but you get see the principle). But because of box ticking I can't be in a workplace with a 17yo.

Also, what's annoying is that even the smallest mercies would be so easy, and not detract from the basic punishment.

It would be so easy to deliver a version of the punishment, which still is a punishment, that doesn't make your life impossible.
It would be so easy to just leave out the 10 minute cop visitations (to people on the Register who have finished Licence\Parole) which accomplish nothing and make living with a new partner impossible or weird. But still keep the register etc.
It would be so easy to have a 0 year unspent conviction rather than a 5 year one (or to start counting from the incident onward not the court date onward). As the time lapse says nothing about risk anyway.
It would be so easy to at least have the bad news about you on page 3 rather than page 1 of Google.

RE: Greetings Folks!

JASB — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 15:10:59 GMT

+x[quote]
[b]khafka - 14 Jan 20 5:48 AM[/b]
+x[quote]
[b]JASB - 13 Jan 20 2:11 PM[/b]
+x[quote]
[b]khafka - 13 Jan 20 12:31 PM[/b]
And here is your update!

As suspected - The social work department still haven't finished their paperwork so my sentence has been deferred again until next month. Yay, more waiting!
[/quote]

Hi
I was on bail for 2 years, one year until I could plead guilty then 1 year waiting to be sentenced.
As ever I will hope you well but I was told 30 months supervisory order recommendation order, supported by a psychology report - ended up with 4 years . Though it is felt this was because of the media / society interest in other sex offences that was headlining in the media.

As I said I hope you well but to be blunt, I stand by my initial comments to your posting. That being that you admit and realise there are victims in your offence and possibly a low level sex offenders course may be worthwhile to help your understanding of that. It does not matter there was no contact or they where far away the images supported the abuse of them. Sorry for my opinion but I do look at events from a 'consequence of action' view.

You can not do anything about your past and you will have to keep focused and believe in yourself through all the issues you will have. Remember your family and friends are victims of the consequences of your offence as well. I could suggest from my experience is that the only support you can give them is: whatever your sentence, to learn from your past and ensure you live the rest of life as an ex-offender.
[/quote]

Hi JASB, thanks for chiming in again.

I imagine, like me, you'd no previous convictions or trouble with the police/law. I understand a custodial sentence is a potential on the horizon and I will deal with that if and when it comes. In my area/town there have actually been a reasonable amount of similar cases as mine. Most of which had a much bigger haul of images as well as previous convictions for the same crime and none of them spent time in prison. Given the police report even stated there is history or pattern with my circumstance and all images were "created" on the same day and confirmed they came down on a non-IIOC related torrent, never viewed and in an inaccessible portion of the HDD I feel puts me in a reasonable good stead for this showing I didn't actively seek this stuff out. But I guess you never know what happens until the gavel comes down!

I'm looking to remain positive. Basically all the damage that could be done from this is now done. Job gone, friends gone, name plastered in the media, keyboard warriors on social media foaming at the mouth wanting me dragged through the streets to the gallows.

When you lose everything it really changes your perspective on things, at least to me anyway.

I'll accept whatever punishment is handed down and work with that. I was a wreck about 2 months ago but now I'm almost ambivalent about it. Worrying about this can't and won't change anything, what I can change is how I learn, grow and move on from this. Worrying is just paying interest on something you haven't purchased yet.

[/quote]

Hi

many thanks for understanding the manner in which I wrote my words and you are correct mine was a first offence, and many other facts and mitigation points in my favour but unfortunately was not my lucky day .
You have not lost everything as you are realising support is out there in many forms.
You must know focus on the positive aspects of your life. Accept the punishment and learn from it. If you do a course than try to understand how your life was at the time of the offence. Be open about what was lacking, register the points and set targets to redevelop your life skills.
Do not be embarrassed or defensive on the reasons for the offence as that is seen as denial. Instead understand the reasons for it instead of making excuses for it which I think you have started to do.
Know you are now a new student on the educational course of 'Life - understanding and improving the journey' just the same as when you walked into your first school class. In other words embrace the chance of :
[quote]you define your future by not letting your past define it.[/quote]

Good luck and let us know what happens.

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 05:48:22 GMT

+x[quote]
[b]JASB - 13 Jan 20 2:11 PM[/b]
+x[quote]
[b]khafka - 13 Jan 20 12:31 PM[/b]
And here is your update!

As suspected - The social work department still haven't finished their paperwork so my sentence has been deferred again until next month. Yay, more waiting!
[/quote]

Hi
I was on bail for 2 years, one year until I could plead guilty then 1 year waiting to be sentenced.
As ever I will hope you well but I was told 30 months supervisory order recommendation order, supported by a psychology report - ended up with 4 years . Though it is felt this was because of the media / society interest in other sex offences that was headlining in the media.

As I said I hope you well but to be blunt, I stand by my initial comments to your posting. That being that you admit and realise there are victims in your offence and possibly a low level sex offenders course may be worthwhile to help your understanding of that. It does not matter there was no contact or they where far away the images supported the abuse of them. Sorry for my opinion but I do look at events from a 'consequence of action' view.

You can not do anything about your past and you will have to keep focused and believe in yourself through all the issues you will have. Remember your family and friends are victims of the consequences of your offence as well. I could suggest from my experience is that the only support you can give them is: whatever your sentence, to learn from your past and ensure you live the rest of life as an ex-offender.
[/quote]

Hi JASB, thanks for chiming in again.

I imagine, like me, you'd no previous convictions or trouble with the police/law. I understand a custodial sentence is a potential on the horizon and I will deal with that if and when it comes. In my area/town there have actually been a reasonable amount of similar cases as mine. Most of which had a much bigger haul of images as well as previous convictions for the same crime and none of them spent time in prison. Given the police report even stated there is history or pattern with my circumstance and all images were "created" on the same day and confirmed they came down on a non-IIOC related torrent, never viewed and in an inaccessible portion of the HDD I feel puts me in a reasonable good stead for this showing I didn't actively seek this stuff out. But I guess you never know what happens until the gavel comes down!

I'm looking to remain positive. Basically all the damage that could be done from this is now done. Job gone, friends gone, name plastered in the media, keyboard warriors on social media foaming at the mouth wanting me dragged through the streets to the gallows.

When you lose everything it really changes your perspective on things, at least to me anyway.

I'll accept whatever punishment is handed down and work with that. I was a wreck about 2 months ago but now I'm almost ambivalent about it. Worrying about this can't and won't change anything, what I can change is how I learn, grow and move on from this. Worrying is just paying interest on something you haven't purchased yet.

RE: Greetings Folks!

JASB — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 14:11:42 GMT

+x[quote]
[b]khafka - 13 Jan 20 12:31 PM[/b]
And here is your update!

As suspected - The social work department still haven't finished their paperwork so my sentence has been deferred again until next month. Yay, more waiting!
[/quote]

Hi
I was on bail for 2 years, one year until I could plead guilty then 1 year waiting to be sentenced.
As ever I will hope you well but I was told 30 months supervisory order recommendation order, supported by a psychology report - ended up with 4 years . Though it is felt this was because of the media / society interest in other sex offences that was headlining in the media.

As I said I hope you well but to be blunt, I stand by my initial comments to your posting. That being that you admit and realise there are victims in your offence and possibly a low level sex offenders course may be worthwhile to help your understanding of that. It does not matter there was no contact or they where far away the images supported the abuse of them. Sorry for my opinion but I do look at events from a 'consequence of action' view.

You can not do anything about your past and you will have to keep focused and believe in yourself through all the issues you will have. Remember your family and friends are victims of the consequences of your offence as well. I could suggest from my experience is that the only support you can give them is: whatever your sentence, to learn from your past and ensure you live the rest of life as an ex-offender.

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 12:31:45 GMT
And here is your update!

As suspected - The social work department still haven't finished their paperwork so my sentence has been deferred again until next month. Yay, more waiting!

RE: Greetings Folks!

khafka — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 08:22:43 GMT
Hi peeps.

Not sure if people are still following this but today is the big day. The date of my sentencing which is in a couple of hours. I had a social work interview/discussion last week and I strongly believe my sentencing will be getting deferred again as the report won't be ready in time which could be another 3-4 weeks which would be around a year from my initial arrest.

The social worker did advise there are 4 possible outcomes:

Caution - basically a slap on the wrist. Don't do it again - 99.9999999% unlikely. I've accepted that.
*Community Payback Order - I'm sure most know about this
*Moved to a Rehab Program - Moving Forward, Making changes program - This could include a community payback order on top of it
*Custodial Sentence - My solicitor and social workers both think given the low risk and nature that this is super unlikely. Social Work also mentioned in their report they wouldn't be recommending this but of course you never know what the judge will decide!
* - These could, and almost certainly will put me on the Sex Offenders Register also

Anyway. I'm away to go get ready and psyche myself up for what I'm sure will be a pretty daunting and heavy day.

I'll be sure to post an update for anyone that is curious.