Solicitors specialising in defending allegations of theft and robbery
Offences of robbery and theft and other associated offences are all defined within the Theft Act 1968.
Robbery
Robbery is defined in section 8(1) of the Theft Act 1968.
“A person is guilty of robbery if he steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, he uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.”
Robbery, distinct from Theft and Burglary, can be thought of as theft with the threat or use of violence. It can only be dealt with at the Crown Court.
Sentencing powers available to the courts vary depending on the type and seriousness of the allegation charged and can range from an absolute discharge through to life imprisonment. The Court will consider factors such as the value of the robbery, the offender’s previous convictions and other aggravating features of the offence.
It is very important that you seek the advice of a specialist solicitor should you find yourself facing a charge of robbery. The sentences can be high and your defence team will be proactive in preparing your case to provide you with the best chance of success whether that be taking your case to trial if you have a defence available to you or obtaining the best possible outcome should you wish to plead guilty to an offence.
Sentencing Guidelines – Robbery Offences
The sentencing guidelines for robbery offences reflect the different ways in which robbery can be carried out splitting the offence of Robbery into three sections:
- Street and Less Sophisticated Commercial Robbery
- Professionally Planned Commercial Robbery
- Robbery at a dwelling.
The guidelines then assess the culpability of the offender and harm caused to determine the category of offences and the range of sentencing available to the court. Our solicitors will be able to advise you where your case falls within the guidelines.
Theft
Theft involves the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other person of it (Section 1 Theft Act 1968).
The definition can cover a whole range of offences from shoplifting to theft by finding to theft during the course of employment, theft of a motor vehicle and so on.
Theft offences are one of the most common types of offences seen in the Magistrates Court. More serious offences of the theft will be dealt with in the Crown Court, typically when there is a high value or a significant breach of trust.
Sentencing powers available to the courts vary depending on the type and seriousness of the allegation charged and can range from an absolute discharge through to a lengthy custodial sentence. The Court will consider factors such as the value of the theft, the offender’s previous convictions and other aggravating features of the offence.
Sentencing Guidelines – Theft Offences
These sentencing guidelines for theft emphasise the importance of considering the impact of a theft on a victim, looking specifically at factors such as emotional distress, inconvenience and loss of confidence, rather than just upon the financial loss sustained
A theft conviction is by definition a conviction for dishonesty and has a hugely detrimental effect on an individual’s character and future prospects.
Recent Cases
- 2020, R v R, Represented defendant in a multi-handed case involving serious allegations of conspiracy to rob and burgle with goods stolen in excess of £1.3million.
- 2020, R v B, Represented a defendant charged with Attempted Robbery and possession of a knife, after discussions with the crown negotiated a plea to a lesser offence of affray.
- 2019, R v M, Represented a defendant charged with theft from employer amounting to over £15,000 of property .After careful analysis of the evidence, negotiations with the crown resulted in the amount being lowered and the defendant avoided a custodial sentence.
Olliers Solicitors – Specialist Criminal Defence Law Firm London & Manchester
It is important that you seek representation from expert solicitors from an early stage in the proceedings. Defending allegations of robbery may involve expertise in dealing with phone evidence, cell site analysis, content of text messages as well as fingerprint evidence and evidence of undercover officers, particularly observation evidence. Often cases require careful negotiations to be made with the Crown and it is important you are represented by experienced solicitors from the outset.
Olliers provide specialist advice and representation throughout England and Wales. We are previous winners of the Manchester Legal Awards Crime Team of the Year and are ranked as a Top Tier criminal firm in both the 2023 editions of the Legal 500 and Chambers Directory.
If you are facing an allegation of robbery or theft please contact us.
