
Allegations of fraud by abuse of position can be both distressing and confusing, particularly for those who have never encountered the criminal justice system before. This offence is treated seriously by the courts, but not every case leads to an immediate custodial sentence. Many people in this situation want to know whether a suspended sentence is a realistic possibility. In this article, we explain what fraud by abuse of position involves, the usual sentencing approach, what a suspended sentence means, and the factors that influence whether such a sentence might be imposed. We also offer practical suggestions for improving your prospects and point you towards sources of further help.
Fraud by abuse of position is a specific offence under the Fraud Act 2006. It occurs when someone who is expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of another person dishonestly abuses that position, intending to make a gain for themselves or cause a loss (or risk of loss) to another.
This offence often arises in situations where a person holds a position of trust – such as an employee, carer, company director, or financial adviser – and uses that position to benefit themselves at the expense of the person or organisation they are supposed to protect. Examples include an employee diverting company funds for personal use, a carer misusing a vulnerable person’s money, or a trustee acting against the interests of a charity.
The law does not require that the abuse results in actual financial loss; the intention to make a gain or cause a loss is sufficient. The prosecution must prove that the defendant was in a position where they were expected to protect another’s financial interests, that they abused that position, and that they acted dishonestly.
Sentences for fraud by abuse of position can vary widely, reflecting the seriousness and circumstances of each case. The Sentencing Council provides guidelines to help judges and magistrates determine the appropriate penalty, taking into account factors such as the amount of money involved, the level of planning, and the impact on victims.
For minor cases – such as a one-off incident involving a small sum and no significant harm – a community order or a suspended sentence may be considered. However, where the fraud is prolonged, involves substantial sums, or causes significant distress or hardship to victims, the courts are more likely to impose an immediate custodial sentence.
The maximum sentence for fraud by abuse of position is 10 years’ imprisonment. In practice, the length of sentence will depend on the scale of the fraud, the degree of trust breached, and any aggravating or mitigating features.
A suspended sentence is a custodial sentence that is not activated straight away. Instead, the court imposes a prison sentence but suspends it for a set period, typically between six months and two years. During this time, you are allowed to remain in the community, provided you comply with any conditions the court sets, such as unpaid work, rehabilitation activities, or regular reporting.
If you breach the conditions or commit another offence during the suspension period, the court can order you to serve the original prison sentence. Suspended sentences are generally reserved for cases where the court believes that, although the offence is serious enough to warrant custody, there are strong reasons why immediate imprisonment is not necessary.
In cases of fraud by abuse of position, a suspended sentence may be considered for less serious offences, particularly where the defendant has no previous convictions, the amount involved is modest, or there are compelling personal circumstances.
Yes, it is possible, but it depends on the details of your case. Courts have the discretion to suspend sentences of up to two years, provided they are satisfied that immediate custody is not required to reflect the seriousness of the offence or to protect the public.
For lower-value frauds, especially those involving a single incident, limited planning, and no lasting harm to the victim, a suspended sentence is a realistic outcome – particularly for first-time offenders. The court will consider your role, the level of trust breached, and whether you have made efforts to repay the money or repair the harm caused.
If the fraud is large-scale, however, and it involves a high degree of planning, or has caused significant distress or hardship, a suspended sentence becomes less likely. The presence of aggravating factors (such as targeting vulnerable victims, acting over a long period, or attempting to conceal the offence) will also reduce the chances of a suspended sentence.
Mitigating factors, such as genuine remorse, early admission of guilt, cooperation with the investigation, or evidence of personal difficulties, can all help persuade the court to suspend a sentence. Each case is unique, and the outcome will depend on the full circumstances presented to the court.
The court will look at the overall picture, balancing aggravating and mitigating factors before reaching a decision.
Fraud by abuse of position is always taken seriously, but not every case results in immediate imprisonment. The seriousness of the offence depends on the amount of money involved, the level of trust breached, the impact on victims, and the presence of any aggravating or mitigating factors.
For relatively minor cases (like a one-off incident involving a small sum and no lasting harm) the court may consider alternatives to immediate custody, such as a suspended sentence or community order. That said, if the offence involves substantial sums, is carried out over a long period, or causes significant distress or hardship, a prison sentence is much more likely.
The court will also consider whether there are exceptional circumstances that might justify a more lenient approach, such as serious health problems, evidence of coercion, or a genuine lack of understanding of the consequences.
If you are facing a charge of fraud by abuse of position, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of receiving a suspended sentence:
Being accused of any crime, let alone one as serious as fraud, can be overwhelming. To feel more confident in tackling this situation, get a solicitor on side as soon as possible. For a friendly no obligation chat about how to proceed, get in touch with the team at Stuart Miller Solicitors today.
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