SWT court summons, what to do next? - ** SETTLED **

[Stigy]

Should i mention in the letter about my mother struggling with alcohol addiction and that she had a relapse just before the incident? This is not a direct reason for what i did or an excuse, but her illness has been deeply upsetting and difficult to deal with at times and has been going on for the last few years. I believe it has affected me badly at times and has clouded my judgement. This particular relapse certainly meant my head was not in the right place when i committed the offence.

 

I have written the letter out and will add a small bit about the above if that is suggested.

 

I hope to post it later today.

 

The court hearing is due on Feb 12th.

 

Any more advise from anyone would be greatly appreciated, thanks for your time.

 

Hi James,

 

I wouldn't mention specifics that could look like excuses. If you feel you have to explain this, simply say you were struggling with a personal issue which lead to your error of judgement, making clear you're not trying to excuse your actions, or defend them. You should make it clear that this was a one-off error on your part and you fully appreciate the severity of what you have done. I'd also say that a conviction could affect your future job prospects and ask that they consider allowing you to meet all their reasonable admin costs in order not to take the matter to court.

[Stigy]

I have spoken to the customer relations team who in turn spoke to the prosecutions department, who have said they received the letter and have asked me to attend the court hearing.

I would like some advice as to where to go from here, thanks.

I wouldn't take the Customer Services teams answer to be honest. You can obviously keep trying the number given, but they do get very busy due to the usual size of these departments. Of course you can attend court and speak to the prosecutor there.

[Stigy]

Hello Stigy and thank you for answering.

 

Would I be right in saying that you mean speak to the prosecutor before the case is heard please? Just to avoid any misunderstanding.

 

HB

Hi, yes that's what I meant. It's been answered now anyway in depth, but I can't emphasis enough how important attending court can be. It shows the prosecutor you're remorseful, and also gives you extra chance to speak to them to try and agree a settlement to have the matter withdrawn.

[Stigy]

Thanks for letting us know the outcome, James!