Question Details	Asked By	Asked On
The maximum penalty for...	denberg	09/10/04
I'm trying to do some research on a simple legal matter. Does anyone know what the maximum punishment is a first time offender could receive IN BRITAIN for stealing a co-worker's jacket from the office in which they both work? Could he go to prison? Many thanks, Paul.
Answered By		Answered On
SanchoPanza		09/13/04
The maximum sentence for theft is seven years. It is unlikely that a first time offender would receive anything like that sentence over the theft of a single item but there are no hard and fast rules for lesser sentences. For such an offence it is extremely unlikey that a custodial sentence would be given as the defendant is not a habitual criminal and has not been proven to be a threat to the public. I would imagine that the offender would recieve a fine based upon his earning capacity and if he was unemployed he would be required to pay it at a rate of two pounds a week from his welfare benefit. If the offence was burgalry (in that the offender tresspassed onto the premises with the intention of theft then the maximum sentence would be 14 years for a dwelling or 10 years for any other building. If the jacket was stolen from the person the offence would be robbery which carries a much higher sentence as it involves a degree of threat to the victim.

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