Well thought I would let you know how we got on.
We went to the Mags Court this morning, our neighbour was there too, hoping he would see my husband get sent to jail!
We had the duty solicitor as were told we could not get legal aid, the whole thing was a bit of a joke to be honest, they didn't know who we were, what had happened, and it was the biggest load of scum bags in the waiting room you have ever seen. The Duty Solicitor said it was far too serious to be dealt with today and that to expect it to be adjourned for a pre sentence report. I asked that he request it was dealt with on the day and he did.
I sat next to by neighbour when I got in there, they agreed to deal with it on the day and we were ordered to pay our neighbour 100 pound compensation- yes thats right- we had to compensate him for giving us a load of abuse and hassle and him insulting all of my family and swearing in front of my daughter! and my husband has been ordered to do 100 hours community service, he has to do it within 12 months, though I dont know how this is possible as on average he works around 60 hours per week but he has to go to a meeting next week to sort it out.
On one hand I am relieved it is over with, but on the other I just think that the whole system is a joke. The man in front of us was obviously a druggy, looked homeless, was charged with various shoplifting offences, and they decided to deduct a fiver a week from his bennefits- what is the point?
Hubby has told his boss, she was very understanding, but she said she didn't know 'the procedure' so she is going to come back to him on it. As long as he keeps his job, we have come out of it OK.
Anyway thats done and dusted, when we came out my father in law said to my neighbour 'are you happy now?' and they exhcnaged a few words, wish he hadn't spoken to him but there you go its done now. I can hold my head up, at the end of the day there is one man sitting with his loving family and one sad lonely man sitting on his own with no friends or family. I know who I would rather be.
Lets just hope that is the end of it . . . .