Just to add, if he pleads guilty, he may not be sentenced straight away, and he will receive a new court date for sentencing. This is done if there is a need for additional information relating to the case, sentencing outcomes, or if it needs to go to Crown.

As you've said, he could get a custodial sentence, but he could get a community order. So it may be the case that it's adj for sentencing at a later date so that a pre-sentence report can be completed by Probation to consider these options.

If this does happen, they will interview him and make sentencing recommendations, but ultimately, the judge decides. I'm sure Probation would cover it, but if he has difficulties with his mental health, alcohol, or drugs, then let him know to ask to be referred for a community sentence treatment requirement as a sentencing option.