Suspended Sentance

[Broken75]

I have today pleaded guilty at magistrates court to fraud by failing to disclose information. I did not disclose my true claims history to insurers in order to obtain the cover the total amount over a 4 year period is £19k the actual claims were not fraudulent but I now now that that makes no difference. I have a good barrister and the pre sentance report recommended a suspended sentence which I pray they will agree. My son is very ill and I can't imagine not being able to take care of him. I have never been in any form of trouble before. Your advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

[Buenchico]

I'm guessing that the magistrates have passed the matter to the Crown Court for sentencing. Therefore my link goes to the Crown Court guidelines (but it actually encompasses the Magistrates' Court guidelines anyway, so it still applies there):
https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Fraud-bribery-and-money-laundering-offences-Definitive-guideline2.pdf

You'll see that £19k comes within 'Category 4' and that while sentencing for that category can go up to 3 year's imprisonment, the vast majority of sentences available to the court are either non-custodial or not over 2 years (meaning that they can be suspended).

Courts usually try to keep first-time offenders out of prison and, based upon what's in that document (and my own time doing court reporting for local newspapers), I think that it's very unlikely that you're facing an immediate custodial sentence

[Broken75]

@Buenchico
Thank you for taking the time to respond I really appreciate it. I have no one to talk to I can't tell my family as they are also struggling to come to terms with my sons diagnosis. I fully appreciate that I have to be punished but I would never do anything so stupid again I can barley get through the day with the shame and worry. Thanks again.