Legal Question in Criminal Law in United Kingdom

penalties for stealing from an employer

I am currently being investigated for allegedly paying unauthorized monies to 9 temporary workers who where employed by the old recruitment agency I use to work for. I was not the only person who had access to our payrol system, as whilst I was using the system I was logged on as a guest log on - which over 10 people have access to. I was arrested for conspiracy to steal from my employer & for breach of trust. I am seeking advice as I have a transfer of the sum of �100 per week from one of the temporary staff - this was due to the fact that I lent him money and he was paying me back in instalments. The company are claiming that I have overpaid staff to the amount of �35,000. I will admit to the fact that I may have overpaid somebody but this would have been down to error not on purpose. can you give me any advice as to what i should do? I have to re-appear at the police station on the 21st July and thats when they will decide what to charge me with. I have been told if they take me to court & I am found guilty I will go to Jail for 9-12 months. This would be my first offence, I have never been unlawful before in my life..


Asked on 7/08/03, 8:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sean Sexton Moore Sexton Bibby

Re: penalties for stealing from an employer

You should instruct a solicitor who is a member of the specialist fraud unit approved by the Legal Services Commission urgently.You will be entitled to have a solicitor with you in the police station free of charge who will protect your interests.If you are charged with theft from your employers ,you will also be entitled to free legal aid to fight the proceedings.If found guilty of theft from employer of �35,000,you are at risk of a custodial sentence-a breach of trust is regarded as a serious offence and you could be sentenced to 9 months-eighteen months imprisonment.There has however been a recent case in which the Lord Chief Justice said that first time offences of theft from employer can be suitable for a community sentence (eg.community service).If you need help locating a solicitor in your area,please feel free to telephone me on 0151 281 9040

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Answered on 7/08/03, 5:57 pm


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