I just wrote out a long reply and then lost it!
I believe that a 'spent' conviction means that if you have not come to notice for a good few years then you are thought to have learned your lesson so to speak. I know of a policeman who was convicted of burglary when he was 14, but still went on to be a copper.
However, the record is still on the Police National Computer. Everytime someone comes to notice now with the police, they have their fingerprints, photograph and DNA taken. Regardless of what happens to that person, the record remains on the computer and the prints etc, remain on file with whatever police force. Every other force in the country also has access to that record.
If you are not convicted, you can at least answer questions truthfully that you have no convictions, but you will still have a record. It's totally wrong, but that's the law.
If you go for a job with a sensitive nature, you will have your prints and photo taken and a check will be made. If your details turn up, or even some similar, your fingerprints will be checked and the Criminal Record Bureau informed so they can see whether you are suitable for the job or not.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley.
http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
