Thanks so much the link was very useful. As this is being dealt with outside the Criminal justice system does this mean that the punishment is not recordable then?

Thank you all for your replies, I can't tell you how helpful your advice has been in reassuring . Just by way of update, my son has been given a Youth referral triage or something like that. I have been told this is not a recordable conviction and will not go on his record. My son is however convinced his life is over. He now has panic attacks and doesnt see the point of working hard at school any more as he will not be able to pursue his choosen career in health. He is so ashmed about what he did and simply cant forgive himself. Please does anyone know whether a youth referral order/triage is something that will stay on his record. He will not be going to court but will meet with the youth offending service three times before they write a report on him. If he is remorseful enough that will be the end of it as this was a low level offence. I am so worried as although what my son did was awful he is truly sorry and I dont want this to destroy. Thanks

Desperately need help!My 15 year old went shoplifting with his friend who was caught. My son who was not caught admitted having shoplifted earlier and got away with it. He still had the Tshirt when they were both rounded up and were taken tyhe security office before the police was called. They also had the magnet they had used to remove the security tag. Neither child has ever been in trouble with the law and are generally very well behaved. They said they were experimeting and wanted to see if the magnet would work. My son was very remorseful and admitted all before the police. My son has been given a notice to attend the station to be interviewed for shoplifting and going equipped to steal. I am absolutely beside myself. My son is so remorseful and cant explain why he went thieving. I desperately need advice as I have been asked to accompany he to this interview. I am worried he will get a caution or worse. Please any helpful advise accepted. How can I get the shop to drop the matter get him too pay for the value of the Tshirt through hard labour. The T shirt and magnet are in police possession probably evidence. My son is prepared to do anything to get out of this mess without a caution or going to court.