We represented the client at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on the charge of Theft.

Although minor charges, the ramifications of a conviction were serious in the consequences. The client has been employed in senior managerial positions and a conviction would prove problematic for future career aspirations.

At the time of the two incidents, the client was abusing alcohol and facing uncertainty with his mental health. He engaged with a psychiatrist following the first incident and he was eventually diagnosed with ADHD. Through discussions with the client’s psychiatrist, we were able to ascertain that although a diagnosis had been made prior to the second incident, he had not yet been medicated.

We had the client assessed for an independent forensic psychologist who confirmed the diagnosis and further stated that mental health and alcohol abuse were relevant to the offending. We made submissions based on these documents and further made submissions about this period in the client’s life.

The client consented to the jurisdiction of the court and pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution opened the case against the client by outlining the circumstances of the offending to which he pleaded guilty. Following the prosecution summary, a plea in mitigation was conducted on the client’s behalf. Submissions were made about the client’s personal circumstances and relevant principles of law. The court was informed of his history and the rehabilitation he has undertaken.

• The accused appropriated property belonging to another
• The accused did so with the intention of permanently depriving the other of the property
• The accused acted dishonestly

• Good Behaviour Bond Without Conviction for Theft
• Employment Theft – Good Behaviour Bond Without Conviction
• Pleading Guilty to Theft – Adjourned Undertaking, Without Conviction
• Adjourned Undertaking for Theft
• Theft and Dishonesty Charges – Withdrawn