Youth Court

[Spudulika]

My case against a ratbag shoplifter! A Lad stole from my shop. Went to court a month ago but the case was adjourned because the lad had a valid reason. Attended Youth court again last Friday. Went into court & the lad wasn't there. Only the CPS lawyer & the Magistrates. No lad or defence lawyer! I just gave my evidence & left.
Why would the trial have been done without him being there or his lawyer? I'm a bit confused!
Can't get hold of anyone else to tell me!

[Barmaid]

Chances are he has not instructed a lawyer and failed to attend and before you went into court the CPS applied to prove in absence. Thus you will have given your evidence, it will not have been challenged and the chances are he was convicted in absence and a warrant issued for his arrest.

[Spudulika]

Thanks for the reply. Just heard that the lad was on remand & refused to get into the van to go to court. He was convicted in his absence & will be returning (hopefully!) for sentencing!

[THEMOTLEY1]

A <valid reason> for shoplifting?

Is he a registered kleptomaniac or something??