Struggles & Stigma
This section contains the stories of people with convictions who are facing difficulties as a result of the impact of their criminal record.
Got a story or experience to share? You can find out more about contributing to theRecord, or email therecord@outlook.com.
Caution with cautions
by Katie In 2008 the police called my phone and asked me to come into the station and explain something I’d done. I explained what happened, and I was told that they would issue me with a caution, which would stay on file for 3 years. I
The Right to Forget
Editorial There’s an interesting debate in the air regarding the EU ruling on ‘the right to forget’. The EU has just passed legislation that allows individuals to block access to outdated information and stories. On one side, individuals who want hide information on the internet about the
A glass ceiling? Good enough for a job, but not for a promotion
by Mary In November 2009 I was dismissed from the post of a Council Principal Librarian. Although I had had an unblemished professional record since 1975, I became the victim of bullying and harassment by a jealous colleague who was acting up in the role of
‘I’m going to move on now’ – A follow up by Obsidian
I last wrote here about 9 months months ago. Since then there has been a change. New amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act are coming into force this month. Since March 10th, I no longer need to tell many potential employers, insurance companies or other interested
Six month sentence or life?
by Lucinda Neall Let me tell you about Luke. Luke has been a volunteer youth leader for the last three years at one of the youth clubs I’m involved with. He’s great with the kids, a reliable member of the team, and probably would have been selected
Scarred for Life: The Retention of Criminal Records and the Lack of Rehabilitation
By Ivan Marazion I write this article as someone who, in my younger days, had issues with addiction. Like many people who fall into addiction, I also fell into petty crime and in my late teens was convicted of theft and burglary. I must take responsibility for
Been held back for 2 years from reaching my dream
For the past 4 years my life has been on pause. I have been heavily relying on the reform to be put into place since 2012 when my goal was to become a Royal Marine Commando in the Royal Navy. I messed my life up by
Can filtering be challenged?
Anonymous In October 2001 I was convicted of “permitting premises to be used for producing cannabis” under Section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. At the time, I was living with my partner and children in a relationship where domestic violence was occurring. On one occasion
Sophie’s choice – “My only option is to resign…I am living in constant fear of being found out”
Sophie* In the 1980’s I was convicted of two minor offences and given and Absolute Discharge. Two years later I got a job and started work. I wasn’t asked to disclose if I had convictions, so I kept quiet. I thought that there was no point looking
Avoiding certain jobs
David* As someone with a record, I often feel completely isolated. Going public with my past carries a huge risk – as do enhanced criminal record disclosures. For example, I work in a respected ‘status’ role in higher education within a niche subject with a small circle
Criminal Records Ruin Lives
Obsidian Black It’s now more than thirty-three years since I was released from prison. I thought then, naively, that the worst was over. I had served two years of a three and a half year sentence. But I didn’t realise then that the real punishment hadn’t even
