Facing a criminal record all because of gambling

Hi Lisa

I see you havn't posted on here for the last week and was wondering if there had been any developments?

I can see from your first couple of posts how worried you are/were, which is very understandable. Im a 52 year old bloke who has been to prison 5 times because of the crimes I comitted to fund my gambling. Please let this situation you are in serve as hard leason learned. For me not only the gambling problem itself was progressive but also the things I would do to obtain funds. Things which at one time I would never consider and be totallly abhorant to soon became second nature to me. Dont live a life like that Lisa .........its worse than s***e. Not all gamblers follow that path, but you have taken a step down it dont take another.

I never fully got on top of my addiction until last year, today is day 507 apperantley. I dont count its just what the Gamcare page says. It took me over 35 years to take my life back from gambling though.

The courts are a lot more aware of gambling addiction now, and the fact that you owned up to the theft will go hugely in your favour. I would not try and get in touch with anyone from work if I were you, just sit tight and let it run its couse. Of course you will be apprehensive and scared but you must accept that you have to face the consequences of your actions.

When I was 17 I stole two wage packets from work. I ran away from home. I gambled, I never faced the consequences, I hid from the consequences by gambling.

Whatever the consequences are from this learn from them. Next time the consequences would be more severe, until you would eventually end up in jail.

I hope you can find the courage to stand up and fight this now, I dont want to build your hopes up but if you can carry on with as much support as possible for your addiction, theres every chance you could get a conditional discharge or short probation order. You will almost certainley have to pay the money back, the good thing is though the court will agree a repayment plan with you and if, because you're on benifits, you can only afford £3 a week then thats the rate you'll have to pay.

I know that feeling of shame very well, it was quite a few years before I got immune to that. You have an addiction, you need help for it, there is no shame in that. The shame lies with those that know you and judge you as bad'un because of this. If they knew you they would know something made you do this, it isn't the true you.

At the moment your head will be all over the place I would imagine, great you walked past the arcades but on another day it might not be so. Why take the risk carrying cash about, at least until you know whats happening with the police. Its good to talk also, not social media but proper talking, if you have no one, the Samaritans are brilliant.

I hope you are seeking support because you genuinley want to stop gambling completely and not just until this is over. No offence intended but I know how far addiction can take some of us. I have gone to GA in the past just so I could tell them in court. to help me get a more lenient sentance. I'm not suggesting that is what you're doing but even if you were just by posting and reading here might act as a catalyst to a great recovery.

I hope you are OK,

Take Care

Geordie.

Hi Lisa,

Do you have any update on your case/situation at all?

I thought I'd reply as it's a similar situation for mine.

I'm fairly young, but have gambled for most of my adult life, losing a sickening amount of money.

Had big wins, and big losses. And I too was arrested for stealing a few thousand from my work. Which is completely out of character for me, but I suppose that's what gambling does to you. I was arrested and taken through the shop in handcuffs in front of friends and everyone knows what I did. I was very close to going to prison, but as it was my first offence, I had to repay all the money I stole, and do 300 hours community service. I don't know exactly your situation, but if it's your first offence and you show remorse/admit at first question e.t.c. e.t.c., then a fine and community service should be your punishment. (Obviously don't take my word for it, but I'm happy to go into more detail if you'd like)

3 years later, I have a job and I'm about £30k in debt due to gambling, and still really struggling to stop (despite various attempts and trigger points where I should have stopped). My life isn't exactly what I want it to be, and I'm still a long way from being back to square one/quitting completely, but I'm trying.

Hi everyone I haven’t had any internet connection to come on the forum and I have really missed it and the support and advice I was receiving from you all, I am still GF 33 days and am that floored and down with everything gambling is the last thing on my mind. I am still waiting for the police to contact me for interview and everything seems to be taking so long, I have a solicitor ready for when I’m called in. I feel so ashamed and have been getting anxiety attacks just going outside which I need to try and get over fast, I have telephone counselling now I do not have the internet all of the time and face to face counselling an assessment is booked for 12th July 2018. My life just seems in limbo at the moment and don’t feel like I can move on at all, my family are struggling to come to terms with what I have done and I don’t have any real friends now I have nothing nobody seems to want to know me.

It is good to know people have been through this and come out of the other side and working again and I would never work with money again though I’m sure I will not be allowed too. I have never stolen anything in my life and I’m worried people now think I’m so low there belongings are at risk around me and it really hurts.

I am still having suicidal thoughts and do ring the Samaritans when I feel like this.

I hope you are all ok and thank you so much for your replies, advice and suport.

Lis x