I'm a criminal!

[superted]

ok guys, i have a problem. I didn't think i did until a 'friend' of mine pointed out that i can't get into medicine because I have a criminal record. yes i have a criminal record and i'm not ashamed, it's an adult caution i recieved over 3years ago for removing a bus sign from a bus shelter. in less than two years it will be 'wiped' from the system and i will no longer possess a record!

after my friend's comment it got me thinking, i've applied for medicine 09 and i really need to know if i've just wasted a lot of the time! An adult caution is pretty much the least you can recieve, i never darkened a courtroom door. I got into auxillary nursing with it ok, so why wouldn't i be allowed to study medicine??? please tell me i'm being paranoid!!!!!

[NorthernLight]

Originally Posted by superted

yes i have a criminal record and i'm not ashamed, it's an adult caution i recieved over 3years ago for removing a bus sign from a bus shelter, lol.

Well, the caution might not be a problem but that sort of attitude might!

[superted]

point taken northernlight, i do regret my actions and will never do it again so the system works!

[Zedd]

But a minute ago you weren't ashamed of what you did

I think you should put some thought into how you might reflect on it if you do get to the interview stage and are asked about it. In itself I doubt it would exclude you but then again, there must be thousands of applicants whom do not have criminal records of any sort.

[AR1972]

Originally Posted by superted

ok guys, i have a problem. I didn't think i did until a 'friend' of mine pointed out that i can't get into medicine because I have a criminal record. yes i have a criminal record and i'm not ashamed, it's an adult caution i recieved over 3years ago for removing a bus sign from a bus shelter. in less than two years it will be 'wiped' from the system and i will no longer possess a record!

after my friend's comment it got me thinking, i've applied for medicine 09 and i really need to know if i've just wasted a lot of the time! An adult caution is pretty much the least you can recieve, i never darkened a courtroom door. I got into auxillary nursing with it ok, so why wouldn't i be allowed to study medicine??? please tell me i'm being paranoid!!!!!

I think you're over reacting, alongside the other commentators on this thread.

OK, you may have been drunk when you did it, or you may have another reason for doing so, lets face it who likes the bus service anyway??

I'd say it's not relevent, albeit remember to put it on your CRB if asked to do so.

I've a criminal record, albeit it's greater than ten years old, but i'm not bothered about it, again I've volunteered in hospitals and been a care worker. Just be honest about it from the outset.

Final point the caution may not be on there, i've had a caution and mine wasn't on there, oh and before I forget even if it was classed as a criminal offence it will never come off your record, it means you don't have to tell everybody who asks about your history unless they are exempt from doing so.

Hope that helps

[Chulalongkorn]

My understanding is that for medicine and the like you have to declare ALL criminal convictions, even those that are "spent". I would read the university prospectus if I were you. I am sure it will appear on your CRB check no matter how long ago it occurred.

Check out this from a UK medical school online prospectus:

Criminal Convictions
If you have been convicted of a criminal offence (excluding (a) motoring offences for which a fine and/or a maximum of three penalty points were imposed, or (b) spent sentences), then you are required to declare this, by selecting the 'Yes' option above. If you have not been convicted of a criminal offence, then you must select the 'No' option.

You should be aware that, for certain courses, particularly related to Teaching, Health and Social Work programmes, any criminal convictions, including spent sentences and cautions, must be declared. If you are in doubt, then you should contact the University and seek advice.

[Chulalongkorn]

However your caution was hardly for the most serious of crimes (though stupid and irresponsible) and I am sure if you show repentence then you should probably be fine. I would write to the universities you apply to and pre-warn them.

[Clarkey]

I don't know if i'd say you should tell them before you apply. There will be an opportunity either before you are offered a place or once you have an offer for you to declare everything and then you should do so. I would wait until then, just make sure when you are asked that you tell them everything.

[Gizmo says -]

i would say on measure that about a third of the med students i ave met ave at some point manipulated bus signs, bus displays, bus shelter posters, traffic cones or similar road cornucopia.

[superted]

thanks for all your advise guys!

when filling out UCAS the opportunity came up but it was only for certain offences, relating to drugs or physical abuse and cautions weren't part of the criteria so i omitted it. i know i will have to tell the uni at some point but i dont think i should until i'm offered a place, as far as i know the whole security check has to be signed by me first and i can tell them then - what do you think?

ps. i am not ashamed of having a criminal record, but i'm ashamed of what i did, yes, i think you misunderstood what i was trying to say.