My union have said that if I’m charged with fraud then I will lose my job and as a result teaching may no longer be an option.

I’m waiting for my union to get back to me. No, the letter does not state anything about providing evidence of income.

My case has been transferred to Wolverhampton now as the court in Birmingham is closed. Im so worried about it, having no sleep and it’s constantly on my mind. If I’m fined I seriously don’t know how I’ll be able to pay it. I have no spare money

Will this criminal conviction stay with me for life?

Yes and my contract states I could lose it. If I do, could I gain employment elsewhere or would it be the same at every school

Absolutely dreading the 15th, literally having no sleep and worrying sick about it. Terrified on what an impact it will have on me, I could lose my job…. I live in rented accommodation, could they kick me out if I get a criminal conviction? Will it affect things like car insurance?

I thought any criminal offence would show on my DBS check and therefore would jeopardise my job. Im really worried about the whole situation, I haven’t told anyone about what’s happened, it’s on my mind constantly.

Thank you for that, it is much appreciated! I’m going to lose my job and career unfortunately as a result of this. I’m absolutely gutted…. Been in the education profession since I’ve been 21 and I’m 37 now

Do you suggest just calling a solicitor up and asking if they do legal aid?

I really cannot afford a solicitor though, I work 3 days a week and struggle with three children.

Right ok, I guess I have to plead guilty then. Will I have a criminal conviction? I’m terrified, having no sleep and anxiety is through the roof.

No, I parked in a disabled bay when I shouldn’t have, so not much I can disagree with. Do I just plead guilty? Do I have to write a statement or anything?

Any help/ advice would be appreciated

UPDATE…. Today I have received a letter to attend court on September 15th. Any advice much be really appreciated as I have to fill in a guilty/ non-guilty slip and send it back.

Am I ok to come back in here when I hear anything for any further advice if needed? Also, thank you for your advice and help on the matter so far, it is much appreciated!

I said I hadn’t done anything like this before but he kept going on about how I’d misused it and how it was fraud and I would be prosecuted! I explained that I was sorry and under a full understanding that I wouldn’t do anything like it again. He asked if I had any questions and I asked what happened next, he told me I’d hear off the council and be prosecuted. It’s honestly really worried me! Im hardly sleeping and it is on my mind constantly!

To be quite honest the guy didn’t give me a chance in edge ways to speak. As soon as I got out the car he approached me and asked to see the badge. My son got out the car too as I was taking him to the pay machine to stop the arguments with my other son. I passed him the badge and typed him the details from there. He asked why I had used it and I tried to explain. He then took photos and said I would be prosecuted and read my rights to.

Yes he took it off me and asked for my driving license. He took all my details down and I had to sign a piece of paper. He also took a photograph of my car and me.

Yeah he said I would hear off them and would likely to be prosecuted! He read me my rights twice! I haven’t even got the guts to tell anyone because I’m so worried about the outcome!

No, wouldn’t do anything like it again! Never did it before! I had driven around the car park and looked at the tariff and with the two kids fighting in the back of the car. I pulled in the disabled bay, put the badge in took one child out the car and then was going in the boot to get my bag to go and pay for parking when I was stopped! I know it was a silly thing to do looking back but at the time I didn’t think.

Is it a police matter then or the council? Does anyone know what exactly will happen? I’m really stressed about it all! Haven’t slept and hardly eaten since it’s happened! Can’t believe I was so stupid!

Thank you! It’s honestly making me feel ill! Really stressed about the whole thing! Will it be the council I hear from or the police?

What do you mean convicted? Will I have a criminal record?

How would I pay this? Would I have to pay it in one go as I can barely afford to live now and do I have to go to court? I’m a assistant teacher and I can’t believe I have been so stupid!

Hi, I used my dads badge to park in Birmingham today and I shouldn’t have because he passed away last year. I didn’t have money for parking and having two children in the car, I decided to do so for quickness. I know I shouldn’t have but I did. A person from the council came and took the badge and said the council would be in touch as it is classed as fraud. I’m worried sick. , I am a single mum of three and can barely afford to live as it is (even though I work) and I’m really concerned about what I have done. Any advice would be really appreciated!