Sentencing Act 2020

15 Committal for sentence of dangerous adult offenders

(1) This section applies where—

(a) on the summary trial of a specified offence (see section 306) triable either way a person aged 18 or over is convicted of the offence, and

(b) the court is of the opinion that an extended sentence of detention in a young offender institution or of imprisonment (see section 266 or 279) would be available in relation to the offence.

(2) The court must commit the offender in custody or on bail to the Crown Court for sentence in accordance with section 21(2).

(3) For powers of the court, where it commits a person under subsection (2), also to commit in respect of other offences, see section 20.

(4) In doing anything under or contemplated by this section, the court is not bound by any indication of sentence given in respect of the offence under section 20 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (procedure where summary trial appears more suitable).

(5) Nothing the court does under this section may be challenged or be the subject of any appeal in any court on the ground that it is inconsistent with an indication of sentence.

(6) Nothing in this section prevents the court from committing an offender convicted of a specified offence to the Crown Court for sentence under section 14 or 18 if the provisions of that section are satisfied.