Powers of Criminal Courts Act 1973 (repealed)

Part I U.K. Powers of Courts to Deal with Offenders

Preliminary E+W

1 Deferment of sentence. E+W

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Crown Court or a magistrates’ court may defer passing sentence on an offender for the purpose of enabling the court [F1 or any other court to which it falls to deal with him to have regard, in dealing with him], to his conduct after conviction (including, where appropriate, the making by him of reparation for his offence) or to any change in his circumstances.

(2) Any deferment under this section shall be until such date as may be specified by the court, not being more than six months after the date [F2 on which the deferment is announced by the court]; and [F3 ,subject to subsection (8A) below,] where the passing of sentence has been deferred under this section it shall not be further deferred thereunder.

(3) The power conferred by this section shall be exercisable only if the offender consents and the court is satisfied, having regard to the nature of the offence and the character and circumstances of the offender, that it would be in the interests of justice to exercise the power.

(4) A court which under this section has deferred passing sentence on an offender may [F4 deal with] him before the expiration of the period of deferment if during that period he is convicted in Great Britain of any offence.

[F5 (4A) If an offender on whom a court has under this section deferred passing sentence in respect of one or more offences is during the period of deferment convicted in England or Wales of any offence ("the subsequent offence’), then, without prejudice to subsection (4) above, the court which (whether during that period or not) passes sentence on him for the subsequent offence may also, if this has not already been done, [F6 deal with] him for the first-mentioned offence or offences:

Provided that—

(a) the power conferred by this subsection shall not be exercised by a magistrates’ court if the court which deferred passing sentence was the Crown Court; and

(b) the Crown Court, in exercising that power in a case in which the court which deferred passing sentence was a magistrates’ court, shall not pass any sentence which could not have been passed by a magistrates’ court in exercising it.]

(5) Where a court which under this section has deferred passing sentence on an offender proposes to [F7 deal with] him, whether on the date originally specified by the court or by virtue of subsection (4) above before that date, [F2 or where the offender does not appear on the date specified, the court] may issue a summons requiring him to appear before the court, or may issue a warrant for his arrest.

[F8 (6) It is hereby declared that in deferring the passing of sentence under this section a magistrates’ court is to be regarded as exercising the power of adjourning the trial which is conferred by [F9 section 10(1) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980], and that accordingly [F9 sections 11(1) and 13(1), (2) and (5) of that Act] (non-appearance of the accused) [F10 apply] (without prejudice to subsection (5) above) if the offender does not appear on the date specified in pursuance of subsection (2) above.

(6A) Notwithstanding any enactment, a court which under this section defers passing sentence on an offender shall not on the same occasion remand him.]

(7) Nothing in this section shall affect the power of the Crown Court to bind over an offender to come up for judgment when called upon or the power of any court to defer passing sentence for any purpose for which it may lawfully do so apart from this section.

[F11 (8) The power of a court under this section to deal with an offender in a case where the passing of sentence has been deferred thereunder—

(a) includes power to deal with him in any way in which the court which deferred passing sentence could have dealt with him; and

(b) without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, in the case of a magistrates’ court, includes the power conferred by sec-tion 37 or 38 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 to commit him to the Crown Court for sentence.

(8A) Where, in a case where the passing of sentence on an offender in respect of one or more offences has been deferred under this section, a magistrates’ court deals with him by committing him to the Crown Court under section 37 or 38 of the Act of 1980, the power of the Crown Court to deal with him includes the same power to defer passing sentence on him as if he had just been convicted of the offence or offences on indictment before the court.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 63(a)

F2 Words substituted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F3 Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 63(b)

F4 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 63(c)(i)

F5 S. 1(4A) inserted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F6 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 63(c)(ii)

F7 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 63(c)(iii)

F8 S. 1(6)(6A) substituted for s. 1(6) by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F9 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 119

F10 Word substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 119

F11 S. 1(8)(8A) substituted for s. 1(8) by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 63(d)

Yn ddilys o 01/10/1992

[F12 Discharge] E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F12 Cross-heading preceding ss. 1A-1C inserted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53), ss. 8(3)(a), 9(2), 101(2), Sch. 1 Pt. I, Sch. 12 paras. 1, 2 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F13 1A Absolute and conditional discharge. E+W

(1) Where a court by or before which a person is convicted of an offence (not being an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law) is of opinion, having regard to the circumstances including the nature of the offence and the character of the offender, that it is inexpedient to inflict punishment, the court may make an order either—

(a) discharging him absolutely; or

(b) if the court thinks fit, discharging him subject to the condition that he commits no offence during such period, not exceeding three years from the date of the order, as may be specified in the order.

(2) An order discharging a person subject to such a condition is in this Act referred to as “an order for conditional discharge”, and the period specified in any such order as “the period of conditional discharge”.

(3) Before making an order for conditional discharge the court shall explain to the offender in ordinary language that if he commits another offence during the period of conditional discharge he will be liable to be sentenced for the original offence.

(4) Where, under the following provisions of this Part of this Act, a person conditionally discharged under this section is sentenced for the offence in respect of which the order for conditional discharge was made, that order shall cease to have effect.

(5) The Secretary of State may by order direct that subsection (1) above shall be amended by substituting, for the maximum period specified in that subsection as originally enacted or as previously amended under this subsection, such period as may be specified in the order.

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 1A-1C inserted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(3)(a), 9(2), 101(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I, Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 1A excluded (3.2.1995) by 1991 c. 53, s. 29(5) (as inserted by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 44(3)(4); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 AppendixA).

C2 S. 1A(1) modified (1.1.1992) by Criminal Procedure (Insanity and Unfitness to Plead) Act 1991 (c. 25, SIF 39:1), ss. 5(4), 8(1)(b); S.I. 1991/2488, art.2

F14 1B Commission of further offence by person conditionally discharged. E+W

(1) If it appears to the Crown Court, where that court has jurisdiction in accordance with subsection (2) below, or to a justice of the peace having jurisdiction in accordance with that subsection, that a person in whose case an order for conditional discharge has been made—

(a) has been convicted by a court in any part of Great Britain of an offence committed during the period of conditional discharge; and

(b) has been dealt with in respect of that offence,

that court or justice may, subject to subsection (3) below, issue a summons requiring that person to appear at the place and time specified therein or a warrant for his arrest.

(2) Jurisdiction for the purposes of subsection (1) above may be exercised—

(a) if the order for conditional discharge was made by the Crown Court, by that court;

(b) if the order was made by a magistrates’ court, by a justice acting for the petty sessions area for which that court acts.

(3) A justice of the peace shall not issue a summons under this section except on information and shall not issue a warrant under this section except on information in writing and on oath.

(4) A summons or warrant issued under this section shall direct the person to whom it relates to appear or to be brought before the court by which the order for conditional discharge was made.

(5) If a person in whose case an order for conditional discharge has been made by the Crown Court is convicted by a magistrates’ court of an offence committed during the period of conditional discharge, the magistrates’ court—

(a) may commit him to custody or release him on bail until he can be brought or appear before the Crown Court; and

(b) if it does so, shall send to the Crown Court a copy of the minute or memorandum of the conviction entered in the register, signed by the clerk of the court by whom the register is kept.

(6) Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the court by which an order for conditional discharge was made that the person in whose case the order was made has been convicted of an offence committed during the period of conditional discharge, the court may deal with him, for the offence for which the order was made, in any manner in which it could deal with him if he had just been convicted by or before that court of that offence.

(7) If a person in whose case an order for conditional discharge has been made by a magistrates’ court—

(a) is convicted before the Crown Court of an offence committed during the period of conditional discharge; or

(b) is dealt with by the Crown Court for any such offence in respect of which he was committed for sentence to the Crown Court,

the Crown Court may deal with him, for the offence for which the order was made, in any manner in which the magistrates’ court could deal with him if it had just convicted him of that offence.

(8) If a person in whose case an order for conditional discharge has been made by a magistrates’ court is convicted by another magistrates’ court of any offence committed during the period of conditional discharge, that other court may, with the consent of the court which made the order, deal with him, for the offence for which the order was made, in any manner in which the court could deal with him if it had just convicted him of that offence.

(9) Where an order for conditional discharge has been made by a magistrates’ court in the case of an offender under eighteen years of age in respect of an offence triable only on indictment in the case of an adult, any powers exercisable under subsection (6), (7) or (8) above by that or any other court in respect of the offender after he has attained the age of eighteen years shall be those which would be exercisable if that offence were an offence triable either way and had been tried summarily.

(10) For the purposes of this section the age of an offender at a particular time shall be deemed to be or to have been that which appears to the court after considering any available evidence to be or to have been his age at that time.

Textual Amendments

F14 Ss. 1A-1C inserted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(3)(a), 9(2), 101(1), Sch. 1, Pt.I, Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

[F15 1C Effect of discharge. E+W

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below and to section 50(1A) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 and section 108(1A) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, a conviction of an offence for which an order is made under this Part of this Act discharging the offender absolutely or conditionally shall be deemed not to be a conviction for any purpose other than—

(a) the purposes of the proceedings in which the order is made and of any subsequent proceedings which may be taken against the offender under the following provisions of this Act; and

(b) the purposes of section 1(2)(bb) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969.

(2) Where the offender was of or over eighteen years of age at the time of his conviction of the offence in question and is subsequently sentenced under this Part of this Act for that offence, subsection (1) above shall cease to apply to the conviction.

(3) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this section, the conviction of an offender who is discharged absolutely or conditionally under this Part of this Act shall in any event be disregarded for the purposes of any enactment or instrument which—

(a) imposes any disqualification or disability upon convicted persons; or

(b) authorises or requires the imposition of any such disqualification or disability.

(4) The preceding provisions of this section shall not affect—

(a) any right of any offender discharged absolutely or conditionally under this Part of this Act to rely on his conviction in bar of any subsequent proceedings for the same offence; or

(b) the restoration of any property in consequence of the conviction of any such offender; or

(c) the operation, in relation to any such offender, of any enactment or instrument in force at the commencement of this Act which is expressed to extend to persons dealt with under section 1(1) of the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 as well as to convicted persons.

(5) In this section “enactment” includes an enactment contained in a local Act and “instrument” means an instrument having effect by virtue of an Act.]

Textual Amendments

F15 Ss. 1A-1C inserted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(3)(a), 9(2), 101(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I, Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 1C excluded (3.2.1995) by 1991 c. 53, s. 29(6) (as inserted by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 44(3)(4); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 AppendixA).

F138 1C Effect of discharge. E+W+S

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below and to section 50(1A) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 and section 108(1A) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, a conviction of an offence for which an order is made under this Part of this Act discharging the offender absolutely or conditionally shall be deemed not to be a conviction for any purpose other than—

(a) the purposes of the proceedings in which the order is made and of any subsequent proceedings which may be taken against the offender under [F139 section 1B] of this Act; F140 . . .

F140 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) Where the offender was of or over eighteen years of age at the time of his conviction of the offence in question and is subsequently sentenced under this Part of this Act for that offence, subsection (1) above shall cease to apply to the conviction.

(3) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this section, the conviction of an offender who is discharged absolutely or conditionally under this Part of this Act shall in any event be disregarded for the purposes of any enactment or instrument which—

(a) imposes any disqualification or disability upon convicted persons; or

(b) authorises or requires the imposition of any such disqualification or disability.

(4) The preceding provisions of this section shall not affect—

(a) any right of any offender discharged absolutely or conditionally under this Part of this Act to rely on his conviction in bar of any subsequent proceedings for the same offence; or

(b) the restoration of any property in consequence of the conviction of any such offender; or

(c) the operation, in relation to any such offender, of any enactment or instrument in force at the commencement of this Act which is expressed to extend to persons dealt with under section 1(1) of the Probation of Offenders Act 1907 as well as to convicted persons.

(5) In this section “enactment” includes an enactment contained in a local Act and “instrument” means an instrument having effect by virtue of an Act.

Textual Amendments

F138 Ss. 1A-1C inserted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(3)(a), 9(2), 101(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I, Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F139 Words in s. 1C(1)(a) substituted (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 106, Sch. 7 para. 15(a); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w).

F140 S. 1C(1)(b) and the word immediately preceeding it repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 106, 120(2), Sch. 7 para. 15(b), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(ww)(aa)(3)(m).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C45 S. 1C excluded (E.W.) (27.9.1999) by 1989 c. 37, s. 15(4) (as substituted by 1999 c. 21, ss. 1(1), 12(2)(with s. 12(3)))

C46 S. 1C excluded (3.2.1995) by 1991 c. 53, s. 29(6) (as inserted by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 44(3)(4); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 Appendix A).

C47 S. 1C(1) excluded (26.6.2000) by 1999 c. 23, ss. 2(5)(a) (with Sch. 7 para. 5(2)); S.I. 2000/1587, art. 2

Probation and discharge E+W+S

2 Probation. E+W

(1) Where a court by or before which a person of or over seventeen years of age is convicted of an offence (not being an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law) is of opinion that having regard to the circumstances, including the nature of the offence and the character of the offender, it is expedient to do so, the court may, instead of sentencing him, make a probation order, that is to say, an order requiring him to be under the supervision of a probation officer for a period to be specified in the order of [F16 not less than six months] nor more than three years.

For the purposes of this subsection the age of a person shall be deemed to be that which it appears to the court to be after considering any available evidence.

(2) A probation order shall name the petty sessions area in which the offender resides or will reside; and the offender shall (subject to the provisions of Schedule 1 to this Act relating to probationers who change their residence) be required to be under the supervision of a probation officer appointed for or assigned to that area.

In this Act “supervising court” means, in relation to a probation order, a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for the time being named in the order.

(3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4) below and sections 3 [F17 , 4A and 4B] of this Act a probation order may in addition require the offender to comply during the whole or any part of the probation period with such requirements as the court, having regard to the circumstances of the case, considers necessary for securing the good conduct of the offender or for preventing a repetition by him of the same offence or the commission of other offences.

(4) Without prejudice to the power of the court under section 35 of this Act to make a compensation order, the payment of sums by way of damages for injury or compensation for loss shall not be included among the requirements of a probation order.

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3) above, a probation order may include requirements relating to the residence of the offender, but—

(a) before making an order containing any such requirements, the court shall consider the home surroundings of the offender; and

[F18 (b) where the order requires the offender to reside in an approved probation hostel or any other institution, the period for which he is so required to reside shall be specified in the order.]

(6) Before making a probation order, the court shall explain to the offender in ordinary language the effect of the order (including any additional requirements proposed to be inserted therein . . . F19 ) and that if he fails to comply with it or commits another offence he will be liable to be sentenced for the original offence; and the court shall not make the order unless he expresses his willingness to comply with its requirements.

(7) The court by which a probation order is made shall forthwith give copies of the order to a probation officer assigned to the court, and he shall give a copy to the offender, to the probation officer responsible for the supervision of the offender and to the person in charge of any institution in which the probationer is required by the order to reside; and the court shall, except where it is itself the supervising court, send to the clerk to the justices for the petty sessions area named in the order a copy of the order, together with such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to the supervising court.

(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F20

[F21 (9) The Secretary of State may by order direct that subsection (1) above shall be amended by substituting, for the minimum or maximum period specified in that subsection as originally enacted or as previously amended under this subsection, such period as may be specified in the order.

(10) An order under subsection (9) above may make in paragraph 3(2)(a) of Schedule 1 to this Act any amendment which the Secretary of State thinks necessary in consequence of any substitution made by the order.]

Textual Amendments

F16 Words substituted by S.I. 1978/474, art. 3

F17 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 11 para. 2

F18 S. 2(5)(b) substituted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F19 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F20 S. 2(8) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F21 S. 2(9)(10) added by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 57(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 2 excluded by Licensed Premises (Exclusion of Certain Persons) Act 1980 (c.32), s. 1(2)(b); Public Order Act 1986 (c. 64, SIF 39:2), ss. 30(4), 37 and Football Spectators Act 1989 (c. 37, SIF 45A), s. 15(4)

3 Probation orders requiring treatment for mental condition. E+W

(1) Where the court is satisfied, on the evidence of a duly qualified medical practitioner approved for the purposes of [F22 section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983], that the mental condition of an offender is such as requires and may be susceptible to treatment but is not such as to warrant his detention in pursuance of a hospital order under [F22 Part III of that Act], the court may, if it makes a probation order, include in it a requirement that the offender shall submit, during the whole of the probation period or during such part of that period as may be specified in the order, to treatment by or under the direction of a duly qualified medical practitioner with a view to the improvement of the offender’s mental condition.

(2) The treatment required by any such order shall be such one of the following kinds of treatment as may be specified in the order, that is to say—

(a) treatment as a resident patient in a [F23 hospital within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983 or mental nursing home within the meaning of the Nursing Homes Act 1975], not being a special hospital within the meaning of [F24 the National Health Service Act 1977];

(b) treatment as a non-resident patient at such institution or place as may be specified in the order; or

(c) treatment by or under the direction of such duly qualified medical practitioner as may be specified in the order;

but the nature of the treatment shall not be specified in the order except as mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above.

(3) A court shall not by virtue of this section include in a probation order a requirement that an offender shall submit to treatment for his mental condition unless it is satisfied that arrangements have been made for the treatment intended to be specified in the order (including arrangements for the reception of the offender where he is to be required to submit to treatment as a resident patient).

(4) While the probationer is under treatment as a resident patient in pursuance of a requirement of the probation order, the probation officer responsible for his supervision shall carry out the supervision to such extent only as may be necessary for the purpose of the discharge or amendment of the order.

(5) Where the medical practitioner by whom or under whose direction a probationer is being treated for his mental condition in pursuance of a probation order is of opinion that part of the treatment can be better or more conveniently given in or at an institution or place not specified in the order, being an institution or place in or at which the treatment of the probationer will be given by or under the direction of a duly qualified medical practitioner, he may, with the consent of the probationer, make arrangements for him to be treated accordingly; and the arrangements may provide for the probationer to receive part of his treatment as a resident patient in an institution or place notwithstanding that the institution or place is not one which could have been specified for that purpose in the probation order.

(6) Where any such arrangements as are mentioned in subsection (5) above are made for the treatment of a probationer—

(a) the medical practitioner by whom the arrangements are made shall give notice in writing to the probation officer responsible for the supervision of the probationer, specifying the institution or place in or at which the treatment is to be carried out; and

(b) the treatment provided for by the arrangements shall be deemed to be treatment to which he is required to submit in pursuance of the probation order.

(7) [F25 Subsections (2) and (3) of section 54 of the Mental Health Act 1983] shall have effect with respect to proof for the purposes of subsection (1) above of an offender’s mental condition as they have effect with respect to proof of an offender’s mental condition for the purposes of [F25 section 37(2)(a)] of that Act.

(8) The provisions of this section shall apply in relation to a probation order made or amended by virtue of section 10 of this Act only so far as indicated in subsection (3) of that section, and except as provided by this section or section 10 a court shall not include in a probation order a requirement that the probationer shall submit to treatment for his mental condition.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), Sch. 4 para. 36(a)

F23 Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), Sch. 4 para. 36(b)

F24 Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), Sch. 4 para. 36(b)

F25 Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), Sch. 4 para. 36(c)

4 F26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 4 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16, Sch. 17 para. 16

[F27 4A Requirements in probation orders. E+W

(1) Without prejudice to the generality of section 2(3) above, the power conferred by that subsection includes power, subject to the provisions of this section, to require the probationer—

(a) to present himself to a person or persons specified in the order at a place or places so specified;

(b) to participate or refrain from participating in activities specified in the order—

(i) on a day or days so specified; or

(ii) during the probation period or such portion of it as may be so specified.

(2) A court shall not include in a probation order a requirement such as is mentioned in subsection (1) above unless it has first consulted a probation officer as to—

(a) the offender’s circumstances; and

(b) the feasibility of securing compliance with the requirements, and is satisfied, having regard to the probation officer’s report, that it is feasible to secure compliance with them.

(3) A court shall not include a requirement such as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above or a requirement to participate in activities if it would involve the co-operation of a person other than the probationer and the probation officer responsible for his supervision unless that other person consents to its inclusion.

(4) A requirement such as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above shall operate to require the probationer—

(a) in accordance with instructions given by the probation officer responsible for his supervision, to present himself at a place for not more than 60 days; and

(b) while there, to comply with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the place.

(5) A place specified in the order shall have been approved by the probation committee for the area in which the premises are situated as providing facilities suitable for persons subject to probation orders.

(6) A requirement to participate in activities shall operate to require the probationer—

(a) in accordance with instructions given by the probation officer responsible for his supervision, to participate in the activities for not more than 60 days; and

(b) while participating, to comply with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the activities.

(7) Instructions given by a probation officer under subsection (4) or (6) above shall, as far as practicable, be such as to avoid any interference with the times, if any, at which the probationer normally works or attends or other educational establishment.]

Textual Amendments

F27 Ss. 4A, 4B inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 11 para. 3

[F28 4B Probation orders requiring attendance at day centre. E+W

(1) Without prejudice to the generality of sections 2(3) and 4A above, the power conferred by section 2(3) above includes power, subject to the provisions of this section, to require the probationer during the probation period to attend at a day centre specified in the order.

(2) A court shall not include such a requirement in a probation order unless—

(a) it has consulted a probation officer; and

(b) it is satisfied—

(i) that arrangements can be made for the probationer’s attendance at a centre; and

(ii) that the person in charge of the centre consents to the inclusion of the requirement.

(3) A requirement under subection (1) above shall operate to require the probationer—

(a) in accordance with instructions given by the probation officer responsible for his supervision, to attend on not more than 60 days at the centre specified in the order; and

(b) while attending there to comply with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the centre.

(4) Instructions given by a probation officer under subsection (3) above shall, so far as is practicable, be such as to avoid any interference with the times, if any, at which the probationer normally works or attends a school or other educational establishment.

(5) References in this section to attendance at a day centre include references to attendance elsewhere than at the centre for the purpose of participating in activities in accordance with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the centre.

(6) In this section “day centre” means premises at which non-residential facilities are provided for use in connection with the rehabilition of offenders and which—

(a) are provided by a probation committee; or

(b) have been approved by the probation committee for the area in which the premises are situated as providing facilities suitable for persons subject to probation orders.]

Textual Amendments

F28 Ss. 4A, 4B inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 11 para. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 4B extended (temp.) by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 17 para. 16

C6 Definition in s. 4B applied (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 3; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

5 Discharge and amendment of probation orders. E+W

(1) The provisions of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect in relation to the discharge and amendment of probation orders.

(2) Where, under the following provisions of this Part of this Act, a probationer is sentenced for the offence for which he was placed on probation, the probation order shall cease to have effect.

6 Breach of requirement of probation order. E+W

(1) If at any time during the probation period it appears on information to a justice of the peace on whom jurisdiction is conferred by subsection (2) below that the probationer has failed to comply with any of the requirements of the order, the justice may issue a summons requiring the probationer to appear at the place and time specified therein, or may, if the information is in writing and on oath, issue a warrant for his arrest.

(2) The following justices shall have jurisdiction for the purposes of subsection (1) above, that is to say:—

(a) if the probation order was made by a magistrates’ court, any justice acting for the petty sessions area for which that court or the supervising court acts;

(b) in any other case, any justice acting for the petty sessions area for which the supervising court acts;

and any summons or warrant issued under this section shall direct the probationer to appear or be brought before a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for which the justice issuing the summons or warrant acts.

(3) If it is proved to the satisfaction of the magistrates’ court before which a probationer appears or is brought under this section that the probationer has failed to comply with any of the requirements of the probation order, then, subject to the following provisions of this subsection, that court may deal with him in respect of the failure in any one of the following ways, that is to say:—

(a) it may impose on him a fine not exceeding [F29 £400];

(b) subject to subsection (10) below, it may make a community service order in respect of him;

(c) in a case to which section [F30 17 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982] applies, it may make an order under that section requiring him to attend at an attendance centre; or

(d) where the probation order was made by a magistrates’ court, it may deal with him for the offence in respect of which the probation order was made, in any manner in which it could deal with him if it had just convicted him of that offence.

(4) Where the probation order was made by the Crown Court, and a magistrates’ court has power to deal with the probationer under subsection (3)(a), (b) or (c) above in respect of a failure to comply with any of the requirements of the order, the magistrates’ court may instead commit him to custody or release him on bail until he can be brought or appear before the Crown Court.

(5) A magistrates’ court which deals with a probationer’s case under subsection (4) above shall send to the Crown Court a certificate signed by a justice of the peace, certifying that the probationer has failed to comply with such of the requirements of the probation order as may be specified in the certificate, together with such other particulars of the case as may be desirable; and a certificate purporting to be so signed shall be admissible as evidence of the failure before the Crown Court.

(6) Where by virtue of subsection (4) above the probationer is brought or appears before the Crown Court, and it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that he has failed to comply with any of the requirements of the probation order, the court may deal with him in respect of the failure in any one of the following ways, that is to say:—

(a) it may impose on him a fine not exceeding [F31 £400];

(b) subject to subsection (10) below, it may make a community service order in respect of him; or

(c) it may deal with him for the offence in respect of which the probation order was made in any manner in which it could deal with him if he had just been convicted before the Crown Court of that offence.

(7) A probationer who is required by the probation order to submit to treatment for his mental condition shall not be treated for the purposes of this section as having failed to comply with that requirement on the ground only that he has refused to undergo any surgical, electrical or other treatment if, in the opinion of the court, his refusal was reasonable having regard to all the circumstances; and without prejudice to the provisions of section 8 of this Act, a probationer who is convicted of an offence committed during the probation period shall not on that account be liable to be dealt with under this section in respect of a failure to comply with any requirement of the probation order.

(8) Any exercise by a court of its powers under subsection (3)(a), (b) or (c) or (6)(a) or (b) above shall be without prejudice to the continuance of the probation order.

(9) A fine imposed under subsection (3)(a) above in respect of a failure to comply with the requirements of a probation order shall be deemed for the purposes of any enactment to be a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.

(10) Section 14(2) of this Act and, so far as applicable, the other provisions of this Act relating to community service orders shall have effect in relation to a community service order under this section as they have effect in relation to a community service order in respect of an offender, but as if the power conferred by sections 16 and 17 of this Act to deal with the offender for the offence in respect of which the community service order was made were a power to deal with the probationer for the failure to comply with the requirements of the probation order in respect of which the community service order was made.

Textual Amendments

F29 “ £400" substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 39, Sch. 4, and S.I. 1984/447 arts. 1(2), 2(3), Sch. 3

F30 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 30

F31 “£400" substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 39, Sch. 4, and S.I. 1984/447 arts. 1(2), 2(3), Sch. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 6(3)(a): power to amend conferred by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 6A as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 5

C8 S. 6(6)(a): power to amend conferred by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c.43, SIF 82), Sch. 6A as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 5

7 Absolute and conditional discharge. E+W

(1) Where a court by or before which a person is convicted of an offence (not being an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law) is of opinion, having regard to the circumstances including the nature of the offence and the character of the offender, that it is inexpedient to inflict punishment and that a probation order is not appropriate, the court may make an order discharging him absolutely, or, if the court thinks fit, discharging him subject to the condition that he commits no offence during such period, not exceeding three years from the date of the order, as may be specified therein.

(2) An order discharging a person subject to such a condition is in this Act referred to as “an order for conditional discharge”, and the period specified in any such order (subject to section 8(1) of this Act) as “the period of conditional discharge”.

(3) Before making an order for conditional discharge the court shall explain to the offender in ordinary language that if he commits another offence during the period of conditional discharge he will be liable to be sentenced for the original offence.

(4) Where, under the following provisions of this Part of this Act, a person conditionally discharged under this section is sentenced for the offence in respect of which the order for conditional discharge was made, that order shall cease to have effect.

[F32 (5) The Secretary of State may by order direct that subsection (1) above shall be amended by substituting, for the maximum period specified in that subsection as originally enacted or as previously amended under this subsection, such period as may be specified in the order.]

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 7(5) added by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 57(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 7 excluded by Licensed Premises (Exclusion of Certain Persons) Act 1980 (c. 32), s. 1(2)(b) and by Public Order Act 1986 (c. 64, SIF 39:2), ss. 30(4), 37

8 Commission of further offence by probationer or person conditionally discharged. E+W+S

(1) If it appears to the Crown Court, where that court has jurisdiction in accordance with subsection (2) below, or to a justice of the peace having jurisdiction in accordance with that subsection, that a person in whose case a probation order or an order for conditional discharge has been made has been convicted by a court in any part of Great Britain of an offence committed during the relevant period, and has been dealt with in respect of that offence, that court or justice may, subject to subsection (3) below, issue a summons requiring that person to appear at the place and time specified therein or a warrant for his arrest.

In this section “the relevant period” means, in relation to a probation order, the probation period, and in relation to an order for conditional discharge, the period of conditional discharge.

(2) Jurisdiction for the purposes of subsection (1) above may be exercised—

(a) if the probation order or order for conditional discharge was made by the Crown Court, by that court;

(b) if the order was made by a magistrates’ court, by a justice acting for the petty sessions area for which that court acts;

(c) in the case of a probation order, by whatever court it was made, by a justice acting for the petty sessions area for which the supervising court acts.

(3) A justice of the peace shall not issue a summons under this section except on information and shall not issue a warrant under this section except on information in writing and on oath.

(4) Subject to subsection (5) below, a summons or warrant issued under this section shall direct the person to whom it relates to appear or to be brought before the court by which the probation order or the order for conditional discharge was made.

(5) In the case of a probation order made by a magistrates’ court, a summons or warrant issued by a justice acting for the petty sessions area for which the supervising court acts may specify the supervising court instead of the court which made the order.

(6) If a person in whose case a probation order or an order for conditional discharge has been made by the Crown Court is convicted by a magistrates’ court of an offence committed during the relevant period, the magistrates’ court may commit him to custody or release him on bail until he he can be brought or appear before the Crown Court; and if it does so the magistrates’ court shall send to the Crown Court a copy of the minute or memorandum of the conviction entered in the register, signed by the clerk of the court by whom the register is kept.

(7) Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the court by which a probation order or an order for conditional discharge was made, or to the satisfaction of that court or the supervising court in the case of a probation order made by a magistrates’ court, that the person in whose case the order was made has been convicted of an offence committed during the relevant period, the court may deal with him, for the offence for which the order was made, in any manner in which it could deal with him if he had just been convicted by or before that court of that offence.

(8) If a person in whose case a probation order or an order for conditional discharge has been made by a magistrates’ court is convicted before the Crown Court of an offence committed during the relevant period, or is dealt with by the Crown Court for any such offence in respect of which he was committed for sentence to the Crown Court, the Crown Court may deal with him, for the offence for which the order was made, in any manner in which the magistrates’ court could deal with him if it had just convicted him of that offence.

(9) If a person in whose case a probation order or an order for conditional discharge has been made by a magistrates’ court is convicted by another magistrates’ court of any offence committed during the relevant period, that court may, with the consent of the court which made the order or, in the case of a probation order, with the consent of that court or of the supervising court, deal with him, for the offence for which the order was made, in any manner in which the court could deal with him if it had just convicted him of that offence.

9 Breach of conditional discharge by young offenders. E+W

(1) Where an order for conditional discharge has been made by a magistrates’ court in the case of an offender under seventeen years of age in respect of an offence [F33 triable only on indictment in the case of an adult],

any powers exercisable by that or any other court in respect of the offender after he has attained the age of seventeen years under subsection (7), (8) or (9) of section 8 of this Act shall be those which would be exercisable if that offence were [F33 an offence triable either way and had been tried summarily.]

(2) For the purposes of this section the age of an offender at a particular time shall be deemed to be or to have been that which appears to the court after considering any available evidence to be or to have been his age at that time.

Textual Amendments

F33 Words substituted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 65(7), Sch. 12

10 Probation orders relating to persons residing in Scotland. E+W+S

(1) Where the court by which a probation order is made under section 2 of this Act is satisfied that the offender resides or will reside in Scotland, subsection (2) of that section shall not apply to the order, but the order shall specify as the appropriate court for the purposes of this section a court of summary jurisdiction (which, in the case of an offender convicted on indictment, shall be the sheriff court) having jurisdiction in the place in Scotland in which the offender resides or will reside.

(2) Where a probation order has been made under section 2 of this Act and the supervising court is satisfied that the probationer proposes to reside or is residing in Scotland, the power of that court to amend the order under Schedule 1 to this Act shall include power to amend it by substituting for the provisions required by section 2(2) of this Act the provisions required by subsection (1) above; and the court may so amend the order without summoning the probationer and without his consent.

(3) A probation order made or amended by virtue of this section may include a requirement that the probationer shall submit to treatment for his mental condition, and—

(a) subsections (1), (3) and (7) of section 3 of this Act and [F34 section 184(2) or 385(2) of the M1 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975] (which makes equivalent provision to that made by section 3(2) of this Act) shall apply to the making of an order which includes any such requirement by virtue of this subsection as they apply to the making of an order which includes any such requirement by virtue of section 3 of this Act and [F35 section 184 or 385] of that Act respectively; and

(b) subsections (4) to (6) of [F34 section 184 or 385] of that Act (functions of supervising officer and medical practitioner where such a requirement has been imposed) shall apply in relation to a probationer who is undergoing treatment in Scotland in pursuance of a requirement imposed by virtue of this subsection as they apply in relation to a probationer undergoing such treatment in pursuance of a requirement imposed by [F34 virtue of section 184 or 385] of that Act.

(4) Sections 5(1) and 6(1) and (2) of this Act shall not apply to any order made or amended by virtue of this section; but the provisions of the [F34 M2 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975, except sections 186(2)(b), 187, 387(2)(b) and 388] (sentencing the probationer for the offence for which the order was made), shall apply to the order as if it were a probation order made under [F34 section 183 or 384] of that Act and as if the court specified in the order as the appropriate court had been named as such under subsection (2) of that section.

(5) If in the case of a probation order made or amended by virtue of this section the appropriate court (as defined by the [F34 M3 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975] is satisfied that the probationer has failed to comply with any requirement of the probation order, the court may, instead of dealing with him in any manner authorised by that Act, commit him to custody or release him on bail until he can be brought or appear before the court in England and Wales by which the probation order was made, and, if it so commits him or releases him on bail,—

(a) the court shall send to the court in England and Wales a certificate certifying that the probationer has failed to comply with such of the requirements of the probation order as may be specified in the certificate, together with such other particulars of the case as may be desirable;

(b) that court shall have the same powers as if the probationer had been brought or appeared before it in pursuance of a warrant or summons issued under section 6(1) of this Act;

and a certificate purporting to be signed by the clerk of the appropriate court shall be admissible as evidence of the failure before the court which made the probation order.

(6) In relation to a probation order made or amended by virtue of this section, the appropriate court (as defined by the [F34 M4 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975] shall have jurisdiction for the purposes of section 8(1) of this Act.

(7) The court by which a probation order is made or amended by virtue of this section shall send three copies of the order as made or amended to the clerk of the court specified in the order as the appropriate court, together with such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to that court; and section 2(7) of this Act, or paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to this Act, as the case may be, shall not apply to any such order.

(8) Where a probation order which is amended by virtue of subsection (2) above is an order to which the provisions of this Act apply by virtue of [F34 section 188 or 389 of the M5 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975] (probation orders under that Act relating to persons residing in England and Wales) then, notwithstanding anything in that section or this section, the order shall, as from the date of the amendment, have effect in all respects as if it were an order made under [F34 section 183 or 384] of that Act in the case of a person residing in Scotland, and as if the court specified as the appropriate court in the order as so amended had been named as such under subsection (2) of that section.

Textual Amendments

F34 Words substituted by Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21), Sch. 9 para. 50

F35 Words inserted by Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21), Sch. 9 para. 50

Marginal Citations

M1 1975 c. 21.

M2 1975 c 21.

M3 1975 c. 21.

M4 1975 c. 21.

M5 1975 c. 21.

[F36 Probation and discharge] E+W

Textual Amendments

F36 Heading inserted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(3)(d), 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

11 Substitution of conditional discharge for probation. E+W

(1) Where on an application made by the probationer or the probation officer it appears to the court having power to discharge a probation order that the order is no longer appropriate in the case of the probationer, the court may make, in substitution for the probation order, an order discharging him in respect of the original offence, subject to the condition that he commits no offence between the making of the order under this section and the expiration of the probation period.

[F37 (1A) No application may be made under subsection (1) above while an appeal against the probation order is pending]

(2) A person in respect of whom an order is made under this section shall so long as the condition mentioned in subsection (1) above continues in force be treated in all respects and in particular for the purposes of section 8 of this Act as if the original order made in his case had been an order for conditional discharge made by the court which made the original order and as if the period of conditional discharge were the same as the probation period.

(3) Where an application under this section is made by the probation officer, it may be heard in the absence of the probationer if the officer produces to the court a statement by him that he understands the effect of an order under this section and consents to the application being made.

(4) On the making of an order under this section the appropriate officer of the court shall forthwith give copies of the order to the probation officer, who shall give a copy to the person in respect of whom the order is made and to the person in charge of any institution in which that person was required by the probation order to reside.

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 11(1A) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 66(3)(a)

12 Supplementary provision as to probation and discharge. E+W

(1) Any court may, on making a probation order or an order for conditional discharge under this Part of this Act, if it thinks it expedient for the purpose of the reformation of the offender, allow any person who consents to do so to give security for the good behaviour of the offender.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, except section 2(7) and paragraph 1 of Schedule 1, where a probation order or an order for conditional discharge has been made on appeal, the order shall be deemed to have been made by the court from which the appeal was brought.

(3) In proceedings before the Crown Court under the preceding provisions of this Act, any question whether a probationer has failed to comply with the requirements of the probation order, and any question whether any person in whose case a probation order or an order for conditional discharge has been made has been convicted of an offence committed during the probation period or, as the case may be, the period of conditional discharge, shall be determined by the court and not by the verdict of a jury.

(4) Nothing in section 2 or 7 of this Act shall be construed as taking away any power of the court, on making a probation order in respect of an offender or discharging an offender absolutely or conditionally, to order him to pay costs or compensation [F38 or to make an order under section 43 below].

Textual Amendments

F38 Words added by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39: 1), s. 69(2), Sch. 8 para. 16

13 Effects of probation and discharge. E+W+S

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, [F39 and to section 50(1A) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 and section 108(1A) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980,] a conviction of an offence for which an order is made under this Part of this Act placing the offender on probation or discharging him absolutely or conditionally shall be deemed not to be a conviction for any purpose other than the purposes of the proceedings in which the order is made and of any subsequent proceedings which may be taken against the offender under the preceding provisions of this Act [F40 and the purposes of section 1(2)(bb) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969].

(2) Where the offender was of or over seventeen years of age at the time of his conviction of the offence in question and is subsequently sentenced under this Part of this Act for that offence, subsection (1) above shall cease to apply to the conviction.

(3) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this section, the conviction of an offender who is placed on probation or discharged absolutely or conditionally under this Part of this Act shall in any event be disregarded for the purposes of any enactment or instrument which imposes any disqualification or disability upon convicted persons, or authorises or requires the imposition of any such disqualification or disability.

(4) The preceding provisions of this section shall not affect—

(a) any right of any offender placed on probation or discharged absolutely or conditionally under this Part of this Act to [F41 rely on his conviction] in bar of any subsequent proceedings for the same offence;

(b) the restoration of any property in consequence of the conviction of any such offender; or

(c) the operation, in relation to any such offender, of any enactment or instrument in force at the commencement of this Act which is expressed to extend to persons dealt with under section 1(1) of the M6 Probation of Offenders Act 1907 as well as to convicted persons.

(5) In this section “enactment” includes an enactment contained in a local Act and “instrument” means an instrument having effect by virtue of an Act.

Textual Amendments

F39 Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 31(a)

F40 Words added by Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983 (c. 41, SIF 113:3), s. 32(2), Sch. 2 para. 21 and repealed (E.W.) (prosp.) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108(2)(7), Sch. 15

F41 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), Sch. 14 para. 31(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 13 excluded (E.W.) by Solicitors Act 1974 (c. 47), s. 43(7), (E.W.) (S.) Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (c. 53), s. 1(4)

C11 S. 13 excluded by Licensed Premises (Exclusion of Certain Persons) Act 1980 (c. 32), s. 1(2)(b) and by Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60, SIF 95), ss. 75(3)(a), 82(3)

C12 S. 13 excluded (E.W.) by Public Order Act 1986 (c. 64, SIF 39:2), ss. 30(4), 37, and excluded by S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12), art. 73(3)(b)

C13 S. 13 excluded (prosp.) by Football Spectators Act 1989 (c. 37, SIF 45A), ss. 7(9), 27

C14 S. 13 excluded by Football Spectators Act 1989 (c. 37, SIF 45A), s. 15(4)

C15 S. 13(1) excluded by Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53, SIF 107:1), s. 46(2)

C16 S. 13(3) excluded by Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53, SIF 107:1), s. 46(1)

Marginal Citations

M6 1907 c. 17.

Community service orders E+W

14 Community service orders in respect of convicted persons. E+W

(1) Where a person of or over [F42 sixteen] years of age is convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment, the court by or before which he is convicted may, instead of dealing with him in any other way (but subject to subsection (2) below) make an order (in this Act referred to as “a community service order”) requiring him to perform unpaid work in accordance with the subsequent provisions of this Act . . . F43 .

The reference in this subsection to an offence punishable with imprisonment shall be construed without regard to any prohibition or restriction imposed by or under any enactment on the imprisonment of young offenders.

[F44 (1A) The number of hours which a person may be required to work under a community service order shall be specified in the order and shall be in the aggregate—

(a) not less than 40; and

(b) not more—

(i) in the case of an offender aged sixteen, than 120; and

(ii) in other cases, than 240.]

[F45 (2) A court shall not make a community service order in respect of any offender unless the offender consents and after considering a report by a probation officer or by a social worker of a local authority social services department about the offender and his circumstances and, if the court thinks it necessary, hearing a probation officer or a social worker of a local authority social services department, the court is satisfied that the offender is a suitable person to perform work under such an order.

(2A) Subject to sections 17A and 17B below,—

(a) a court shall not make a community service order in respect of any offender who is of or over seventeen years of age unless the court is satisfied that provision for him to perform work under such an order can be made under the arrangements for persons to perform work under such orders which exist in the petty sessions area in which he resides or will reside; and

(b) a court shall not make a community service order in respect of an offender who is under seventen years of age unless—

(i) it has been notified by the Secretary of State that arrangements exist for persons of the offender’s age who reside in the petty sessions area in which the offender resides or will reside to perform work under such orders; and

(ii) it is satisfied that provision can be made under the arrangements for him to do so.]

(3) Where a court makes community service orders in respect of two or more offences of which the offender has been convicted by or before the court, the court may direct that the hours of work specified in any of those orders shall be concurrent with or additional to those specified in any other of those orders, but so that the total number of hours which are not concurrent shall not exceed the maximum [F46 specified in paragraph (b)(i) or (ii) of subsection (1A) above,].

(4) A community service order shall specify the petty sessions area in which the offender resides or will reside; and the functions conferred by the subsequent provisions of this Act on the relevant officer shall be discharged by a probation officer appointed for or assigned to the area for the time being specified in the order (whether under this subsection or by virtue of section 17(5) of this Act), or by a person appointed for the purposes of those provisions by the probation and after-care committee for that area.

(5) Before making a community service order the court shall explain to the offender in ordinary language—

(a) the purpose and effect of the order (and in particular the requirements of the order as specified in section 15 of this Act);

(b) the consequences which may follow under section 16 if he fails to comply with any of those requirements; and

(c) that the court has under section 17 the power to review the order on the application either of the offender or of a probation officer.

(6) The court by which a community service order is made shall forthwith give copies of the order to a probation officer assigned to the court and he shall give a copy to the offender and to the relevant officer; and the court shall, except where it is itself a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area specified in the order, send to the clerk to the justices for the petty sessions area specified in the order a copy of the order, together with such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to a court acting for that area in exercising its functions in relation to the order.

(7) The Secretary of State may by order direct that [F47 subsection (1A) above shall be amended by substituting for the maximum number of hours for the time being specified in paragraph (b)(i) or (ii) of that subsection], such number of hours as may be specified in the order.

(8) Nothing in subsection (1) above shall be construed as preventing a court which makes a community service order in respect of any offence from making an order for costs against, or imposing any disqualification on, the offender or from making in respect of the offence an order under section 35, 39, 43 or 44 of this Act, or under section 28 of the M7 Theft Act 1968.

Textual Amendments

F42 Word substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(a)(i)

F43 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(a)(ii)

F44 S. 14(1A) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(b)

F45 S. 14(2)(2A) substituted for s. 14(2) by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(c)

F46 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(d)

F47 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(e)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 14(4) applied (E.W.S.) by Community Service by Offenders (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 49, SIF 39:1), s. 6(3), Sch. 1 para. 2

Marginal Citations

M7 1968 c. 60.

15 Obligations of person subject to community service order. E+W

(1) An offender in respect of whom a community service order is in force shall—

(a) report to the relevant officer and subsequently from time to time notify him of any change of address; and

(b) perform for the number of hours specified in the order such work at such times as he may be instructed by the relevant officer.

(2) Subject to section 17(1) of this Act, the work required to be performed under a community service order shall be performed during the period of twelve months beginning with the date of the order [F48 ; but, unless revoked, the order shall remain in force until the offender has worked under it for the number of hours specified in it.]

(3) The instructions given by the relevant officer under this section shall, so far as practicable, be such as to avoid any conflict with the offender’s religious beliefs and any interference with the times, if any, at which he normally works or attends a school or other educational establishment.

Textual Amendments

F48 Words added by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 15 applied (E.W.S.) by Community Service by Offenders (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 49, SIF 39:1), s. 6(3), Sch. 1 para. 2

16 Breach of requirements of community service order. E+W

(1) If at any time while a community service order is in force in respect of an offender it appears on information to a justice of the peace acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in the order that the offender has failed to comply with any of the requirements of section 15 of this Act (including any failure satisfactorily to perform the work which he has been instructed to do), the justice may issue a summons requiring the offender to appear at the place and time specified therein, or may, if the information is in writing and on oath, issue a warrant for his arrest.

(2) Any summons or warrant issued under this section shall direct the offender to appear or be brought before a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in the community service order.

(3) If it is proved to the satisfaction of the magistrates’ court before which an offender appears or is brought under this section that he has failed without reasonable excuse to comply with any of the requirements of section 15 the court may, without prejudice to the continuance of the order, impose on him a fine not exceeding [F49 £400] or may—

(a) if the community service order was made by a magistrates’ court, revoke the order and deal with the offender, for the offence in respect of which the order was made, in any manner in which he could have been dealt with for that offence by the court which made the order if the order had not been made;

(b) if the order was made by the Crown Court, commit him to custody or release him on bail until he can be brought or appear before the Crown Court.

(4) A magistrates’ court which deals with an offender’s case under subsection (3)(b) above shall send to the Crown Court a certificate signed by a justice of the peace certifying that the offender has failed to comply with the requirements of section 15 in the respect specified in the certificate, together with such other particulars of the case as may be desirable; and a certificate purporting to be so signed shall be admissible as evidence of the failure before the Crown Court.

(5) Where by virtue of subsection (3)(b) above the offender is brought or appears before the Crown Court and it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that he has failed to comply with any of the requirements of section 15, that court may either—

(a) without prejudice to the continuance of the order, impose on him a fine not exceeding [F50 £400]; or

(b) revoke the order and deal with him, for the offence in respect of which the order was made, in any manner in which he could have been dealt with for that offence by the court which made the order if the order had not been made.

(6) A person sentenced under subsection (3)(a) above for an offence may appeal to the Crown Court against the sentence.

(7) In proceedings before the Crown Court under this section any question whether the offender has failed to comply with the requirements of section 15 shall be determined by the court and not by the verdict of a jury.

(8) A fine imposed under this section shall be deemed for the purposes of any enactment to be a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.

Textual Amendments

F49 “£400" substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 39, Sch. 4, and S.I. 1984/447 arts. 1(2), 2(3), Sch. 3

F50 “£400" substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 39, Sch. 4, and S.I. 1984/447 arts. 1(2), 2(3), Sch. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 16 applied (E.W.S.) with modifications by Community Service by Offenders (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 49, SIF 39:1), s. 6(3), Sch. 1 paras. 2, 3

C20 S. 16(3): power to amend conferred by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 6A as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 5

C21 S. 16(5): power to amend conferred by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 6A as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 5

17 Amendment and revocation of community service orders, and substitution of other sentences. E+W

(1) Where a community service order is in force in respect of any offender and, on the application of the offender or the relevant officer, it appears to a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in the order that it would be in the interests of justice to do so having regard to circumstances which have arisen since the order was made, the court may extend, in relation to the order, the period of twelve months specified in section 15(2) of this Act.

(2) Where such an order is in force and on any such application it appears to a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area so specified that, having regard to such circumstances, it would be in the interests of justice that the order should be revoked or that the offender should be dealt with in some other manner for the offence in respect of which the order was made, the court may—

(a) if the order was made by a magistrates’ court, revoke the order or revoke it and deal with the offender for that offence in any manner in which he could have been dealt with for that offence by the court which made the order if the order had not been made;

(b) if the order was made by the Crown Court, commit him to custody or release him on bail until he can be brought or appear before the Crown Court;

and where the court deals with his case under paragraph (b) above it shall send to the Crown Court such particulars of the case as may be desirable.

[F51 (3) Where an offender in respect of whom such an order is in force—

(a) is convicted of an offence before the Crown Court; or

(b) is committed by a magistrates’ court to the Crown Court for sentence and is brought or appears before the Crown Court; or

(c) by virtue of subsection (2)(b) above is brought or appears before the Crown Court,

and it appears to the Crown Court] to be in the interests of justice to do so, having regard to circumstances which have arisen since the order was made, the Crown Court may revoke the order or revoke the order and deal with the offender, for the offence in respect of which the order was made, in any manner in which he could have been dealt with for that offence by the court which made the order if the order had not been made.

(4) A person sentenced under subsection (2)(a) above for an offence may appeal to the Crown Court against the sentence.

[F52 (4A) Where—

(a) an offender in respect of whom a community service order is in force is convicted of an offence before a magistrates’ court other than a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in the order; and

(b) the court imposes a custodial sentence on him; and

(c) it appears to the court, on the application of the offender or the relevant officer, that it would be in the interests of justice to do so having regard to circumstances which have arisen since the order was made,

the court may—

(i) if the order was made by a magistrates’ court, revoke it; and

(ii) if the order was made by the Crown Court, commit him in custody or release him on bail until he can be brought or appear before the Crown Court;

and where the court deals with his case under sub-paragraph (ii) above, it shall send to the Crown Court such particulars of the case as may be desirable.

(4B) Where by virtue of subsection (4A)(c)(ii) above the offender is brought or appears before the Crown Court and it appears to the Crown Court to be in the interests of justice to do so, having regard to circumstances which have arisen since the order was made, the Crown Court may revoke the order.]

[F53 (5) If—

(a) a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in a community service order is satisfied that the offender proposes to change, or has changed, his residence from that petty sessions area to another petty sessions area; and

(b) the conditions specified in subsection (5A) below are satisfied,

the court may, and on the application of the relevant officer shall, amend the order by substituting the other petty sessions area for the area specified in the order.

(5A) The conditions referred to in subsection (5) above are—

(a) if the offender is of or over 17 years of age, that it appears to the court that provision can be made for him to perform work under the community service order under the arrangements which exist for persons who reside in the other petty sessions area to perform work under such orders; and

(b) if the offender is under 17 years of age—

(i) that the court has been notified by the Secretary of State that arrangements exist for persons of his age who reside in the other petty sessions area to perform work under such orders; and

(ii) it appears to the court that provision can be made under the arrangements for him to do so.]

(6) Where a community service order is amended by a court under subsection (5) above the court shall send to the clerk to the justices for the new area specified in the order a copy of the order, together with such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to a court acting for that area in exercising its functions in relation to the order.

(7) Where a magistrates’ court proposes to exercise its powers under subsection (1) or (2) above otherwise than on the application of the offender it shall summon him to appear before the court and, if he does not appear in answer to the summons, may issue a warrant for his arrest.

Textual Amendments

F51 Words substituted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F52 S. 17(4A)(4B) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 2(a)

F53 S. 17(5)(5A) substituted for s. 17(5) by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 2(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 S. 17 applied (E.W.S.) with modifications by Community Service by Offenders (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 49, SIF 39:1), s. 6(3), Sch. 1 paras. 2, 5

[F54 Community service orders relating to persons residing in Scotland or Northern Ireland] E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F54 Ss. 17A–17C inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 68, Sch. 13

F55 17A Making and amendment of community service orders relating to persons residing in Scotland. E+W

(1) Where a court considering the making of a community service order is satisfied that the offender resides, or will be residing when the order comes into force, in Scotland, section 14 above shall have effect as if the following subsection were substituted for subsection (2A)—

“(2A) A court shall not make a community service order in respect of any offender unless—

(a) the court has been notified by the Secretary of State that arrangements exist for persons who reside in the locality in Scotland in which the offenders resides, or will be residing when the order comes into force, to perform work under community service orders made under section 1 of the Community Service by Offenders (Scotland) Act 1978; and

(b) it appears to the court that provision can be made for him to perform work under those arrangements.”

(2) Where a community service order has been made and—

(a) a magistrates’ court acting for a petty sessions area for the time being specified in it is satisfied that the offender proposes to reside or is residing in Scotland;

(b) that court has been notified by the Secretary of State that arrangements exist for persons who reside in the locality in Scotland in which the offender proposes to reside or is residing to perform work under community service orders made under section 1 of the Community Service by Offenders (Scotland) Act 1978;

(c) it appears to that court that provision can be made for him to perform work under the community service order under those arrangements.

it may amend the order by specifying that the unpaid work required to be performed by the order be so performed.

(3) A community service order made or amended in accordance with this section shall—

(a) specify the locality in Scotland in which the offender resides or will be residing when the order or the amendment comes into force; and

(b) require the regional or islands council in whose area the locality specified under paragraph (a) above is situated to appoint or assign an officer who will discharge in respect of the order the functions in respect of community service orders conferred on the local authority officer by the Community Service by Offenders (Scotland) Act 1978.

Textual Amendments

F55 Ss. 17A-17C inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 68, Sch. 13

F56 17B Making and amendment of community service orders relating to persons residing in Northern Ireland. E+W

(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F57

(2) [F58 Where a court considering the making of a community service order is satisfied that the offender resides, or will be residing when the order comes into force, in Northern Ireland], section 14 above shall have effect as if the following subsection were substituted for subsection (2A)—

“(2A) A court shall not make a community service order in respect of any offender unless it appears to the court that provision can be made by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland) (in this section referred to as “the Probation Board") for him to perform work under the order.”

(3) Where a community service order has been made and—

(a) a magistrates’ court acting for a petty sessions area for the time being specified in it is satisfied that the offender . . . F59 proposes to reside or is residing in Northern Ireland;

(b) it appears to that court that provision can be made by the Probation Board for him to perform work under the order,

it may amend the order by specifying that the unpaid work required to be performed by the order be so performed.

(4) A community service order made or amended in accordance with this section shall—

(a) specify the petty sessions district in Northern Ireland in which the offender resides or will be residing when the order or the amendment comes into force; and

(b) require the Probation Board to select an officer who will discharge in respect of the order the functions in respect of community service orders conferred on the relevant officer by the Treatment of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1976.

Textual Amendments

F56 Ss. 17A-17C inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 68, Sch. 13

F57 S. 17B(1) repealed by S.I. 1989/1345, art. 2(a)

F58 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/1345, art. 2(b)

F59 Words repealed by S.I. 1989/1345, art. 2(c)

F60 17C Community service orders relating to persons residing in Scotland or Northern Ireland—general. E+W+S

(1) Where a community service order is made or amended in the circumstances specified in section 17A or 17B or this Act, the court which makes or amends the orders shall send three copies of it as made or amended to the home court, together with such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to that court.

(2) In this section—

• “home court” means—

(a) if the offender resides in Scotland, or will be residing in Scotland at the relevant time, the sheriff court having jurisdiction in the locality in which he resides or proposes to reside; and

(b) if he resides in Northern Ireland, or will be residing in Northern Ireland at the relevant time, the court of summary jurisdiction acting for the petty sessions district in which he resides or proposes to reside; and

“the relevant time” means the time when the order or the amendment to it comes into force.

(3) A community service order made or amended in the circumstances specified in section 17A or 17B of this Act shall be treated, subject to the following provisions of this section, as if it were a community service order made in the part of the United Kingdom in which the offender resides, or will be residing at the relevant time; and the legislation relating to community service orders which has effect in that part of the United Kingdom shall apply accordingly.

(4) Before making or amending a community service order in those circumstances the court shall explain to the offender in ordinary language—

(a) the requirements of the legislation relating to community service orders which has effect in the part of the United Kingdom in which he resides or will be residing at the relevant time;

(b) the powers of the home court under that legislation, as modified by this section; and

(c) its own powers under this section.

and an explanation given in accordance with this section shall be sufficient without the addition of an explanation under section 14(5) above.

(5) The home court may exercise in relation to the community service order any power which it could exercise in relation to a community service order made by a court in the part of the United Kingdom in which the home court exercises jurisdiction, by virtue of the legislation relating to such orders which has effect in the part of the United Kingdom in which it has jurisdiction except—

(a) a power to vary the order by substituting for the number of hours’ work specified in it any greater number than the court which made the order could have specified;

(b) a power to revoke the order; and

(c) a power to revoke the order and deal with the offender for the offence in respect of which it was made in any manner in which he could have been dealt with for that offence by the court which made the order if the order had not been made.

(6) If at any time while legislation relating to community service orders which has effect in one part of the United Kingdom applies by virtue of subsection (3) above to a community service order made in another part—

(a) it appears to the home court—

(i) if that court is in Scotland, on evidence on oath from the local authority officer under the Community Service by Offenders (Scotland) Act 1978; and

(ii) if it is in Northern Ireland, upon a complaint being made to a justice of the peace acting for the petty sessions district for the time being specified in the order,

that the offender has failed to comply with any of the requirements of the legislation applicable to the order; or

(b) it appears to the home court on the application of the offender or—

(i) if that court is in Scotland, of the local authority officer; and

(ii) if it is in Northern Ireland, of the relevant officer, as defined in the Treatment of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1976,

that it would be in the interests of justice to exercise a power mentioned in subsections (5)(b) or (c), above,

the home court may require the offender to appear before the court by which the order was made.

(7) Where an offender is required by virtue of subsection (6) above to appear before the court which made a community service order, that court—

(a) may issue a warrant for his arrest; and

(b) may exercise any power which it could exercise in respect of the community service order if the offender resided in the part of the United Kingdom where the court has jurisdiction,

and any enactment relating to the exercise of such powers shall have effect accordingly.

Textual Amendments

F60 Ss. 17A-17C inserted by Criminal Justice ACt 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 68, Sch. 13

Imprisonment, Borstal training and detention: general provisions E+W

18 General power of Crown Court to impose sentence of imprisonment on conviction on indictment. E+W

(1) Where a person is convicted on indictment of an offence against any enactment and is for that offence liable to be sentenced to imprisonment, but the sentence is not by any enactment either limited to a specified term or expressed to extend to imprisonment for life, the person so convicted shall be liable to imprisonment for not more than two years.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F61

Textual Amendments

F61 S. 18(2) repealed by Criminal Attempts Act 1981 (c. 47, SIF 39:1), Sch. Pt. I

19 F62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F62 S. 19 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

20 Restriction on imposing sentences of imprisonment on persons who have not previously served prison sentences. E+W

(1) No court shall pass a sentence of imprisonment on a person of or over twenty-one years of age on whom such a sentence has not previously been passed by a court in any part of the United Kingdom unless the court is of opinion that no other method of dealing with him is appropriate; and for the purpose of determining whether any other method of dealing with any such person is appropriate the court shall obtain and consider information about the circumstances, and shall take into account any information before the court which is relevant to his character and his physical and mental condition.

(2) Where a magistrates’ court passes a sentence of imprisonment on any such person as is mentioned in subsection (1) above, the court shall state the reason for its opinion that no other method of dealing with him is appropriate, and cause that reason to be specified in the warrant of commitment and to be entered in the register.

(3) For the purposes of this section—

(a) a previous sentence of imprisonment which has been suspended and which has not taken effect under section 23 of this Act or under section 19 of the M8 Treatment of Offenders Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 shall be disregarded; and

(b) “sentence of imprisonment” does not include a committal or attachment for contempt of court.

(4) Subsection (1) above does not affect the power of a court to pass sentence on any person for an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law.

[F63 (5) For the purposes of this section the age of a person shall be deemed to be that which it appears to the court to be after considering any available evidence.]

Textual Amendments

F63 S. 20(5) added by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 32

Marginal Citations

M8 1968 c. 29 (N.I.)

[F64 20A Social inquiry report for purposes of s. 20. E+W

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, the court shall in every case obtain a social inquiry report for the purpose of determining under section 20(1) above whether there is any appropriate method of dealing with an offender other than imprisonment.

(2) Subsection (1) above does not apply if, in the circumstances of the case, the court is of the opinion that it is unnecessary to obtain a social inquiry report.

(3) Where a magistrates’ court passes a sentence of imprisonment on a person of or over 21 years of age on whom such a sentence has not previously been passed by a court in any part of the United Kingdom without obtaining a social inquiry report, it shall state in open court the reason for its opinion that it was unnecessary to obtain such a report.

(4) A magistrates’ court shall cause a reason stated under subsection (3) above to be specified in the warrant of commitment and to be entered in the register.

(5) No sentence shall be invalidated by the failure of a court to comply with subsection (1) above, but any other court on appeal from that court shall obtain a social inquiry report if none was obtained by the court below, unless it is of the opinion that in the circumstances of the case it is unnecessary to do so.

(6) In determining whether it should deal with the appellant otherwise than by passing a sentence of imprisonment on him the court hearing the appeal shall consider any social inquiry report obtained by it or by the court below.

(7) In this section “social inquiry report” means a report about a person and his circumstances made by a probation officer.]

Textual Amendments

F64 S. 20A inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 62

21 Restriction on imposing sentences of imprisonment, Borstal training or detention on persons not legally represented. E+W

(1) A magistrates’ court on summary conviction or the Crown Court on committal for sentence or on conviction on indictment shall not pass a sentence of imprisonment, . . . F65 on a person who is not legally represented in that court and has not been previously sentenced to that punishment by a court in any part of the United Kingdom, unless either—

(a) he applied for legal aid and the application was refused on the ground that it did not appear his means were such that he required assistance; or

(b) having been informed of his right to apply for legal aid and had the opportunity to do so, he refused or failed to apply.

(2) For the purposes of this section a person is to be treated as legally represented in a court if, but only if, he has the assistance of counsel or a solicitor to represent him in the proceedings in that court at some time after he is found guilty and before he is sentenced, and in subsection (1)(a) and (b) above “legal aid” means legal aid for the purposes of proceedings in that court, whether the whole proceedings or the proceedings on or in relation to sentence; but in the case of a person committed to the Crown Court for sentence or trial, it is immaterial whether he applied for legal aid in the Crown Court to, or was informed of his right to apply by, that court or the court which committed him.

(3) For the purposes of this section—

(a) a previous sentence of imprisonment which has been suspended and which has not taken effect under section 23 of this Act or under section 19 of the M9 Treatment of Offenders Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 shall be disregarded;

(b) “sentence of imprisonment” does not include a committal or attachment for contempt of court; and

(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F66

Textual Amendments

F65 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F66 S. 21(3)(c) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

Marginal Citations

M9 1968 c. 29 (N.I.)

Suspended sentences of imprisonment E+W+S

22 Suspended sentences of imprisonment. E+W

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, a court which passes a sentence of imprisonment for a term of not more than two years for an offence may order that the sentence shall not take effect unless, during a period specified in the order, being not less than one year or more than two years from the date of the order, the offender commits in Great Britain another offence punishable with imprisonment and thereafter a court having power to do so orders under section 23 of this Act that the original sentence shall take effect; and in this Part of this Act “operational period”, in relation to a suspended sentence, means the period so specified.

(2) A court shall not deal with an offender by means of a suspended sentence unless the case appears to the court to be one in which a sentence of imprisonment would have been appropriate in the absence of any power to suspend such a sentence by an order under subsection (1) above.

(3) A court which passes a suspended sentence on any person for an offence shall not make a probation order in his case in respect of another offence of which he is convicted by or before the court or for which he is dealt with by the court.

(4) On passing a suspended sentence the court shall explain to the offender in ordinary language his liability under section 23 of this Act if during the operational period he commits an offence punishable with imprisonment.

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F67

(6) Subject to any provision to the contrary contained in the M10 Criminal Justice Act 1967, this Act or any enactment passed or instrument made under any enactment after 31st December 1967—

(a) a suspended sentence which has not taken effect under section 23 of this Act shall be treated as a sentence of imprisonment for the purposes of all enactments and instruments made under enactments except any enactment or instrument which provides for disqualification for or loss of office, or forfeiture of pensions, of persons sentenced to imprisonment; and

(b) where a suspended sentence has taken effect under that section, the offender shall be treated for the purposes of the enactments and instruments excepted by paragraph (a) above as having been convicted on the ordinary date on which the period allowed for making an appeal against an order under that section expires or, if such an appeal is made, the date on which it is finally disposed of or abandoned or fails for non-prosecution.

Textual Amendments

F67 S. 22(5) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 16

Marginal Citations

M10 1967 c. 80.

23 Power of court on conviction of further offence to deal with suspended sentence. E+W

(1) Where an offender is convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment committed during the operational period of a suspended sentence and either he is so convicted by or before a court having power under section 24 of this Act to deal with him in respect of the suspended sentence or he subsequently appears or is brought before such a court, then, unless the sentence has already taken effect, that court shall consider his case and deal with him by one of the following methods:—

(a) the court may order that the suspended sentence shall take effect with the original term unaltered;

(b) it may order that the sentence shall take effect with the substitution of a lesser term for the original term;

(c) it may by order vary the original order under section 22(1) of this Act by substituting for the period specified therein a period expiring not later than two years from the date of the variation; or

(d) it may make no order with respect to the suspended sentence;

and a court shall make an order under paragraph (a) of this subsection unless the court is of opinion that it would be unjust to do so in view of all the circumstances . . . F68 , including the facts of the subsequent offence, and where it is of that opinion the court shall state its reasons.

(2) Where a court orders that a suspended sentence shall take effect, with or without any variation of the original term, the court may order that that sentence shall take effect immediately or that the term thereof shall commence on the expiration of another term of imprisonment passed on the offender by that or another court.

(3)—(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F69

(6) In proceedings for dealing with an offender in respect of a suspended sentence which take place before the Crown Court any question whether the offender has been convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment committed during the operational period of the suspended sentence shall be determined by the court and not by the verdict of a jury.

(7) Where a court deals with an offender under this section in respect of a suspended sentence the appropriate officer of the court shall notify the appropriate officer of the court which passed the sentence of the method adopted.

(8) Where on consideration of the case of an offender a court makes no order with respect to a suspended sentence, the appropriate officer of the court shall record that fact.

(9) For the purposes of any enactment conferring rights of appeal in criminal cases any order made by a court with respect to a suspended sentence shall be treated as a sentence passed on the offender by that court for the offence for which the suspended sentence was passed.

Textual Amendments

F68 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 31, Sch. 16

F69 S. 23(3)–(5) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 S. 23 restricted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), s. 11(3)

24 Court by which suspended sentence may be dealt with. E+W

(1) An offender may be dealt with in respect of a suspended sentence by the Crown Court or, where the sentence was passed by a magistrates’ court, by any magistrates’ court before which he appears or is brought.

(2) Where an offender is convicted by a magistrates’ court of an offence punishable with imprisonment and the court is satisfied that the offence was committed during the operational period of a suspended sentence passed by the Crown Court—

(a) the court may, if it thinks fit, commit him in custody or on bail to the Crown Court; and

(b) if it does not, shall give written notice of the conviction to the appropriate officer of the Crown Court.

(3) For the purposes of this section and of section 25 of this Act a suspended sentence passed on an offender on appeal shall be treated as having been passed by the court by which he was originally sentenced.

25 Procedure where court convicting of further offence does not deal with suspended sentence. E+W+S

(1) If it appears to the Crown Court, where that court has jurisdiction in accordance with subsection (2) below, or to a justice of the peace having jurisdiction in accordance with that subsection, that an offender has been convicted in Great Britain of an offence punishable with imprisonment committed during the operational period of a suspended sentence and that he has not been dealt with in respect of the suspended sentence, that court or justice may, subject to the following provisions of this section, issue a summons requiring the offender to appear at the place and time specified therein, or a warrant for his arrest.

(2) Jurisdiction for the purposes of subsection (1) above may be exercised—

(a) if the suspended sentence was passed by the Crown Court, by that court;

(b) if it was passed by a magistrates’ court, by a justice acting for the area for which that court acted.

(3) Where an offender is convicted by a court in Scotland of an offence punishable with imprisonment and the court is informed that the offence was committed during the operational period of a suspended sentence passed in England or Wales, the court shall give written notice of the conviction to the appropriate officer of the court by which the suspended sentence was passed.

(4) Unless he is acting in consequence of a notice under subsection (3) above, a justice of the peace shall not issue a summons under this section except on information and shall not issue a warrant under this section except on information in writing and on oath.

(5) A summons or warrant issued under this section shall direct the offender to appear or to be brought before the court by which the suspended sentence was passed.

26 Suspended sentence supervision orders. E+W

(1) Where a court passes on an offender a suspended sentence for a term of more than six months for a single offence, the court may make a suspended sentence supervision order (in this Act referred to as “a supervision order”) placing the offender under the supervision of a supervising officer for a period specified in the order, being a period not exceeding the operational period of the suspended sentence.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) direct that subsection (1) above be amended by substituting, for the number of months specified in the subsection as originally enacted or as previously amended under this paragraph, such other number (not more than six) as the order may specify; or

(b) make in that subsection the repeals necessary to enable a court to make a supervision order thereunder in the case of any suspended sentence, whatever the length of the term.

(3) A supervision order shall specify the petty sessions area in which the offender resides or will reside; and the supervising officer shall be a probation officer appointed for or assigned to the area for the time being specified in the order (whether under this subsection or by virtue of subsection (6) below).

(4) An offender in respect of whom a supervision order is in force shall keep in touch with the supervising officer in accordance with such instructions as he may from time to time be given by that officer and shall notify him of any change of address.

(5) The court by which a supervision order is made shall forthwith give copies of the order to a probation officer assigned to the court, and he shall give a copy to the offender and the supervising officer; and the court shall, except where it is itself a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area specified in the order, send to the clerk to the justices for the petty sessions area specified in the order a copy of the order, together with such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to a court acting for that area in exercising its functions in relation to the order.

(6) If a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in a supervision order is satisfied that the offender proposes to change, or has changed, his residence from that petty sessions area to another petty sessions area, the court may, and on the application of the supervising officer shall, amend the order by substituting the other petty sessions area for the area specified in the order.

(7) Where a supervision order is amended by a court under subsection (6) above the court shall send to the clerk to the justices for the new area specified in the order a copy of the order, together with such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to a court acting for that area in exercising its functions in relation to the order.

(8) A supervision order shall cease to have effect if before the end of the period specified in it—

(a) a court orders under section 23 of this Act that a suspended sentence passed in the proceedings in which the order was made shall have effect; or

(b) the order is discharged or replaced under the subsequent provisions of this section.

(9) A supervision order may be discharged, on the application of the supervising officer or the offender—

(a) if it was made by the Crown Court and includes a direction reserving the power of discharging it to that court, by the Crown Court;

(b) in any other case by a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in the order.

(10) Where under section 23 of this Act a court deals with an offender in respect of a suspended sentence by varying the operational period of the sentence or by making no order with respect to the sentence, the court may make a supervision order in respect of the offender—

(a) in place of any such order made when the suspended sentence was passed; or

(b) if the court which passed the sentence could have made such an order but did not do so; or

(c) if that court could not then have made such an order but would have had power to do so if subsection (1) above had then had effect as it has effect at the time when the offender is dealt with under section 23.

(11) On making a supervision order the court shall in ordinary language explain its effect to the offender.

27 Breach of requirement of suspended sentence supervision order. E+W

(1) If at any time while a supervision order is in force in respect of an offender it appears on information to a justice of the peace acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in the order that the offender has failed to comply with any of the requirements of section 26(4) of this Act, the justice may issue a summons requiring the offender to appear at the place and time specified therein, or may, if the information is in writing and on oath, issue a warrant for his arrest.

(2) Any summons or warrant issued under this section shall direct the offender to appear or be brought before a magistrates’ court acting for the petty sessions area for the time being specified in the supervision order.

(3) If it is proved to the satisfaction of the court before which an offender appears or is brought under this section that he has failed without reasonable cause to comply with any of the requirements of section 26(4) the court may, without prejudice to the continuance of the order, impose on him a fine not exceeding [F70 £400].

(4) A fine imposed under this section shall be deemed for the purposes of any enactment to be a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.

Textual Amendments

F70 “£400" substituted by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 39, Sch. 4, and S.I. 1984/447 arts. 1(2), 2(3), Sch. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24 S. 27(3): power to amend conferred by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43), Sch. 6A as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 5

Powers relating to persistent offenders U.K.

28 Punishment of persistent offenders. E+W

(1) Where an offender is convicted on indictment of an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term of two years or more and the conditions specified in subsection (3) below are satisfied, then, if the court is satisfied, by reason of his previous conduct and of the likelihood of his committing further offences, that it is expedient to protect the public from him for a substantial time, the court may impose an extended term of imprisonment under this section.

(2) The extended term which may be imposed under this section for any offence may exceed the maximum term authorised for the offence apart from this section if the maximum so authorised is less than ten years, but shall not exceed ten years if the maximum so authorised is less than ten years or exceed five years if the maximum so authorised is less than five years.

(3) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) above are:—

(a) the offence was committed before the expiration of three years from a previous conviction of an offence punishable on indictment with imprisonment for a term of two years or more or from his final release from prison after serving a sentence of imprisonment, corrective training or preventive detention passed on such a conviction; and

(b) the offender has been convicted on indictment on at least three previous occasions since he attained the age of twenty-one of offences punishable on indictment with imprisonment for a term of two years or more; and

(c) the total length of the sentences of imprisonment, corrective training or preventive detention to which he was sentenced on those occasions was not less than five years and—

(i) on at least one of those occasions a sentence of preventive detention was passed on him; or

(ii) on at least two of those occasions a sentence of imprisonment (other than a suspended sentence which has not taken effect) or of corrective training was so passed and of those sentences one was a sentence of imprisonment for a term of three years or more in respect of one offence or two were sentences of imprisonment each for a term of two years or more in respect of one offence.

(4) Where an extended term of imprisonment is imposed on an offender under this section, the court shall issue a certificate (hereafter in this Act referred to as “an extended sentence certificate”) stating that the term was so imposed.

29 Supplementary provisions as to persistent offenders. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of section 28(3)(a) of this Act a certificate purporting to be signed by the governor of a prison to the effect—

(a) that a prisoner was finally released from that prison on a date specified in the certificate after serving a sentence so specified; or

(b) that a prisoner had not been finally released from that prison on a date so specified after serving a sentence so specified;

shall be evidence of the matter so certified.

(2) For the purposes of section 28(3)(b) of this Act a person who has been convicted by a magistrates’ court of an indictable offence and sentenced for that offence—

(a) by the Crown Court, or on appeal from the Crown Court, to imprisonment; or

(b) by a court of quarter sessions, or on appeal from such a court, to imprisonment, corrective training or preventive detention;

shall be treated as if he had been convicted of that offence on indictment.

(3) For the purpose of determining whether the conditions specified in section 28(3) of this Act are satisfied in relation to an offender no account shall be taken of any previous conviction or sentence unless notice has been given to the offender at least three days before the later sentence is passed on him that it is intended to prove the previous conviction or sentence to the court.

(4) For the purpose of subsection (3) above a certificate purporting to be signed by a constable or a prison officer that a copy of a notice annexed to the certificate was given to an offender shall be evidence that it was so given and of the contents of the notice.

(5) In this section and in section 28 of this Act “final release” includes a release on licence under section 60 or 61 of the M11 Criminal Justice Act 1967, but does not include any temporary discharge.

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F71

(7) A person sentenced to an extended term of imprisonment under section 28 of this Act and transferred under section 26 of the M12 Criminal Justice Act 1961 to Scotland or Northern Ireland shall, notwithstanding anything in section 26(4) (treatment of prisoners so transferred) be treated as if an extended sentence certificate had not been issued in respect of him.

Textual Amendments

F71 S. 29(6) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

Marginal Citations

M11 1967 c. 80.

M12 1961 c. 39.

Crown Court fines, etc. E+W

30 General power of Crown Court to fine offender convicted on indictment. E+W

(1) Where a person is convicted on indictment of any offence other than an offence for which the sentence is fixed by law, the court, if not precluded from sentencing the offender by its exercise of some other power (such as the power to make a probation order), may impose a fine in lieu of or in addition to dealing with him in any other way in which the court has power to deal with him, subject however to any enactment . . . F72 requiring the offender to be dealt with in a particular way.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F73

Textual Amendments

F72 Words repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 65(7), Sch. 13

F73 S. 30(2) repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 65(7), Sch. 13

31 Powers, etc., of Crown Court in relation to fines and forfeited recognizances. E+W

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, if the Crown Court imposes a fine on any person or forfeits his recognizance, the court may make an order—

(a) allowing time for the payment of the amount of the fine or the amount due under the recognizance;

(b) directing payment of that amount by instalments of such amounts and on such dates respectively as may be specified in the order;

(c) in the case of a recognizance, discharging the recognizance or reducing the amount due thereunder.

[F74 (2) Subject to the provisions of this section, if the Crown Court imposes a fine on any person or forfeits his recognizance, the court shall make an order fixing a term of imprisonment or of detention under section 9 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982 (detention of persons aged 17 to 20 for default) which he is to undergo if any sum which he is liable to pay is not duly paid or recovered.

(3) No person shall on the occasion when a fine is imposed on him or his recognizance is forfeited by the Crown Court be committed to prison or detained in pursuance of an order under subsection (2) above unless—

(a) in the case of an offence punishable with imprisonment, he appears to the court to have sufficient means to pay the sum forthwith;

(b) it appears to the court that he is unlikely to remain long enough at a place of abode in the United Kingdom to enable payment of the sum to be enforced by other methods; or

(c) on the occasion when the order is made the court sentences him to immediate imprisonment, custody for life, youth custody or detention in a detention centre for that or another offence, or sentences him as aforesaid for an offence in addition to forfeiting his recognizance, or he is already serving a sentence of custody for life or a term—

(i) of imprisonment;

(ii) of youth custody;

(iii) of detention in a detention centre; or

(iv) of detention under section 9 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982.

(3A) Subject to subsections (3B) and (3C) below, the periods set out in the second column of the following Table shall be the maximum periods of imprisonment or detention under subsection (2) above applicable respectively to the amounts set out opposite thereto.

[F75 Table

An amount not exceeding £50	5 days
An amount exceeding £50 but not exceeding £100	7 days
An amount exceeding £100 but not exceeding £400	14 days
An amount exceeding £400 but not exceeding £1,000	30 days
An amount exceeding £1,000 but not exceeding £2,000	45 days
An amount exceeding £2,000 but not exceeding £5,000	3 months
An amount exceeding £5,000 but not exceeding £10,000	6 months
An amount exceeding £10,000 but not exceeding £20,000	12 months
An amount exceeding £20,000 but not exceeding £50,000	18 months
An amount exceeding £50,000 but not exceeding £100,000	2 years
An amount exceeding £100,000 but not exceeding £250,000	3 years
An amount exceeding £250,000 but not exceeding £1 million	5 years
An amount exceeding £1 million	10 years]

(3B) Where the amount due at the time imprisonment or detention is imposed is so much of a fine or forfeited recognizance as remains due after part payment, then, subject to subsection (3C) below, the maximum period applicable to the amount shall be the period applicable to the whole sum reduced by such number of days as bears to the total number of days therein the same proportion as the part paid bears to the total sum.

(3C) In calculating the reduction required under subsection (3B) above any fraction of a day shall be left out of account and the maximum period shall not be reduced to less than five days.

(4) Where any person liable for the payment of a fine or a sum due under a recognizance to which this section applies is sentenced by the court to, or is serving or otherwise liable to serve, a term of imprisonment of youth custody or a term of detention under section 4 or 9 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982, the court may order that any term of imprisonment or detention fixed under subsection (2) above shall not begin to run until after the end of the first-mentioned term.]

(5) The power conferred by this section to discharge a recognizance or reduce the amount due thereunder shall be in addition to the powers conferred by any other Act relating to the discharge, cancellation, mitigation or reduction of recognizances or sums forfeited thereunder.

(6) Subject to subsection (7) below, the powers conferred by this section shall not be taken as restricted by any enactment about committal by a magistrates’ court to the Crown Court which authorises the Crown Court to deal with an offender in any way in which the magistrates’ court might have dealt with him.

[F76 (7) Any term fixed under subsection (2) above as respects a fine imposed in pursuance of such an enactment, that is to say a fine which the magistrates’ court could have imposed, shall not exceed the period applicable to that fine (if imposed by the magistrates’ court) under section 149(1) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

(8) This section shall not apply to a fine imposed by the Crown Court on appeal against a decision of a magistrates’ court, but subsections (2) to (3C) above shall apply in relation to a fine imposed or recognizance forfeited by the criminal division of the Court of Appeal, or by the House of Lords from that division, as they apply in relation to a fine imposed or recognizance forfeited by the Crown Court, and references to the Crown Court in subsections (2) and (3) above shall be construed accordingly.]

Textual Amendments

F74 S. 31(2)–(4) substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:2), s. 69(1)

F75 Table substituted by virtue of S.I. 1984/447, arts. 1(2), 2(2), Sch. 2 and Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 60(1)(2), Sch. 8 para. 16

F76 S. 31(7)(8) substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 67(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 S. 31 extended by Contempt of Court Act 1981 (c. 49, SIF 39:3), s. 16(3), and by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54), s. 140(3)(5)

C26 S. 31(1) modified by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 6(1)(6) and Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 75(1), Sch. 8 para. 16

C27 S. 31(2)(3) modified by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 6(1)(6), and Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 75(1), Sch. 8 para. 16

C28 S. 31(3A): power to amend Table in section 31(3A) conferred by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), s. 143(2)(j) as added by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 48(1)(b)(iii)

C29 S. 31(3A) modified by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 6(1)(6) and Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 75(1), Sch. 8 para. 16

C30 S. 31(3A) modified (1.7.1991) by Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990 (c. 5, SIF 39:1), ss. 15(2), 16(4)(b); S.I. 1991/1072, art. 2(b), Sch. Pt.II

C31 S. 31(3B)(3C) modified by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 6(1)(6) and Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 75(1), Sch. 8 para. 16

32 Enforcement, etc., of fines imposed and recognizances forfeited by Crown Court. E+W

(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4) below, a fine imposed or a recognizance forfeited by the Crown Court after 31st December 1967 shall be treated for the purposes of collection, enforcement and remission of the fine or other sum as having been imposed or forfeited—

(a) by a magistrates’ court specified in an order made by the Crown Court; or

(b) if no such order is made, by the magistrates’ court by which the offender was committed to the Crown Court to be tried or dealt with;

and in the case of a fine as having been so imposed on conviction by the magistrates’ court in question.

(2) The term of imprisonment [F77 or detention under section 9 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982] specified in any warrant of commitment issued by a magistrates’ court on a default in the payment of a fine imposed, or sum due under a recognizance forfeited, by the Crown Court as the term which the offender is liable to serve shall be the term fixed by the latter court under section 31(2) of this Act or, if that term has been reduced under [F78 section 79(2) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980] (part payment) or [F78 section 85(1) of that Act] (remission) that term as so reduced, notwithstanding that that term exceeds the period applicable to the case under . . . F79 . . . F80 [F81 section 149(1) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979] (maximum periods of imprisonment in default of payment of fines, etc.).

(3) The preceding provisions of this section shall apply in relation to a fine imposed or recognizance forfeited by the criminal division of the Court of Appeal, or by the House of Lords on appeal from that division, as they apply in relation to a fine imposed or recognizance forfeited by the Crown Court, and references in those provisions to the Crown Court shall be construed accordingly.

(4) A magistrates’ court shall not under [F82 section 85(1) or 120 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980], as applied by subsection (1) above, remit the whole or any part of a fine imposed or a sum due under a recognizance forfeited by the Crown Court without the consent of that court, [F82 and section 85(1)] shall have effect accordingly.

(5) A fine imposed or a recognizance forfeited by the criminal division of the Court of Appeal on appeal from the Crown Court or by the House of Lords on appeal from that division shall be treated for the purposes of collection, enforcement and remission of the fine or other sum as having been imposed or forfeited by the Crown Court.

(6) Any fine or other sum the payment of which is enforceable by a magistrates’ court by virtue of this section shall be treated for the purposes of the [F83 Justices of the Peace Act 1979 and, in particular, section 61 thereof (application of fines and fees)] as having been imposed by a magistrates’ court, or as being due under a recognizance forfeited by such a court.

Textual Amendments

F77 Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 33

F78 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 120(a)

F79 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 120(a) and repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F80 Word repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F81 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), Sch. 4 para. 12 Table Pt. I

F82 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 120(b)

F83 Words substituted by Justices of the Peace Act 1979 (c. 55), Sch. 2 para. 25

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C32 S. 32 extended by Contempt of Court Act 1981 (c. 49, SIF 39:3), s. 16(3) and by Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54, SIF 37), s. 140(3)(5)

C33 S. 32(1) modified by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 6(1)(6) and Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 75(1)

C34 S. 32(1)(2) extended (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 37, ss. 9(1)(6), 69(2) (with s. 66(2)).

S. 32(1)(2) extended (with modifications) (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 37, ss. 9(1)(6), 19(7), 69(2) (with s. 66(2)).

C35 S. 32(2) modified by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 6(1)(6) and Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 75(1)

33 F84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F84 S. 33 repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 65(7), Sch. 13

34 Power of Crown Court to allow time for payment, or payment by instalments, of costs and compensation. E+W

Where the Crown Court makes any such order as is mentioned in Part I of Schedule 9 to the M13 Administration of Justice Act 1970 (orders against accused for the payment of costs or compensation), the court may—

(a) allow time for the payment of the sum due under the order;

(b) direct payment of that sum by instalments of such amounts and on such dates respectively as the court may specify.

Marginal Citations

M13 1970 c. 31.

[F85 34A Power of Crown Court to order search of persons before it. E+W

(1) Where—

(a) the Crown Court imposes a fine on a person or forfeits his recognizance;

(b) the Crown Court makes against a person any such order as is mentioned in paragraph 3, 4 or 9 of Schedule 9 to the M14 Administration of Justice Act 1970 (orders for the payment of costs);

(c) the Crown Court makes against a person any such order as is mentioned in paragraph 12 of that Schedule (fines etc. payable by parents or guardians) . . . F86 or

[F87 (cc) the Crown Court makes an order against a person under section 35 of this Act;]

(d) on the determination of an appeal brought by a person under section 83 of the M15 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1952 a sum is payable by him, whether by virtue of an order of the Crown Court or by virtue of a conviction or order of the magistrates’ court against whose decision the appeal was brought,

then, if that person is before it, the Crown Court may order him to be searched.

(2) Any money found on a person in a search under this section may be applied, unless the court otherwise directs, towards payment of the fine or other sum payable by him; and the balance, if any, shall be returned to him.]

Textual Amendments

F85 S. 34A inserted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 49

F86 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 15 para. 39(a), Sch. 16

F87 S. 34A(1)(cc) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 15 para. 39(b)

Marginal Citations

M14 1970 c. 31.

M15 1952 c. 55.

Compensation orders E+W

35 Compensation orders against convicted persons. E+W

[F88 (1) Subject to the provisions of this Part of this Act and to section 40 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (which imposes a monetary limit on the powers of a magistrates’ court under this section), a court by or before which a person is convicted of an offence, instead of or in addition to dealing with him in any other way, may, on application or otherwise, make an order (in this Act referred to as “a compensation order") requiring him to pay compensation for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from that offence or any other offence which is taken into consideration by the court in determining sentence [F89 or to make payments for funeral expenses or bereavement in respect of a death resulting from any such offence, other than a death due to an accident arising out of the presence of a motor vehicle on a road; and a court shall give reasons, on passing sentence, if it does not make such an order in a case where this section empowers it to do so].

(1A) Compensation under subsection (1) above shall be of such amount as the court considers appropriate, having regard to any evidence and to any representations that are made by or on behalf of the accused or the prosecutor.]

(2) In the case of an offence under the M16 Theft Act 1968, where the property in question is recovered, any damage to the property occurring while it was out of the owner’s possession shall be treated for the purposes of subsection (1) above as having resulted from the offence, however and by whomsoever the damage was caused.

[F90 (3) A compensation order may only be made in respect of injury, loss or damage (other than loss suffered by a person’s dependants in consequence of his death) which was due to an accident arising out of the presence of a motor vehicle on a road, if—

(a) it is in respect of damage which is treated by subsection (2) above as resulting from an offence under the M17 Theft Act 1968; or

(b) it is in respect of injury, loss or damage as respects which—

(i) the offender is uninsured in relation to the use of the vehicle; and

(ii) compensation is not payable under any arrangements to which the Secretary of State is a party;

and, where a compensation order is made in respect of injury, loss or damage due to such an accident, the amount to be paid may include an amount representing the whole or part of any loss of or reduction in preferential rates of insurance attributable to the accident.

(3A) A vehicle the use of which is exempted from insurance by section 144 of the M18 Road Traffic Act 1972 is not uninsured for the purposes of subsection (3) above.

(3B) A compensation order in respect of funeral expenses may be made for the benefit of anyone who incurred the expenses.

(3C) A compensation order in respect of bereavement may only be made for the benefit of a person for whose benefit a claim for damages for bereavement could be made under section 1A of the M19 Fatal Accidents Act 1976.

(3D) The amount of compensation in respect of bereavement shall not exceed the amount for the time being specified in section 1A(3) of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.]

[F91 (4) In determining whether to make a compensation order against any person, and in determining the amount to be paid by any person under such an order, it shall be the duty of the court—

(a) to have regard to his means so far as they appear or are known to the court; and

(b) in a case where it is proposed to make against him both a compensation order and a confiscation order under Part VI of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, also to have regard to its duty under section 72(7) of that Act (duty where the court considers that the offender’s means are insufficient to satisfy both orders in full to order the payment out of sums recovered under the confiscation order of sums due under the compensation order)]

[F92 (4A) Where the court considers—

(a) that it would be appropriate both to impose a fine and to make a compensation order; but

(b) that the offender has insufficient means to pay both an appropriate fine and appropriate compensation,

the court shall give preference to compensation (though it may impose a fine as well).]

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F93

Textual Amendments

F88 S. 35(1)(1A) substituted for s. 35(1) by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 67(a)

F89 Words added by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 104(1), Sch. 8 para. 16

F90 S. 35(3)–(3D) substituted for s. 35(3) by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 104(2), Sch. 8 para. 16

F91 S. 35(4) substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 15 para. 40

F92 S. 35(4A) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), s. 67(b)

F93 S. 35(5) repealed by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43), Sch. 9

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C36 S. 35(1) restricted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), s. 40

Marginal Citations

M16 1968 c. 60.

M17 1968 c. 60(39:6).

M18 1972 c. 20

M19 1976 c. 30(122:3).

[F94 36 Enforcement and appeals. E+W

(1) A person in whose favour a compensation order is made shall not be entitled to receive the amount due to him until (disregarding any power of a court to grant leave to appeal out of time) there is no further possibility of an appeal on which the order could be varied or set aside.

(2) Rules under section 144 of the M20 1980 Magistrates’ Courts Act may make provision regarding the way in which the magistrates’ court for the time being having functions (by virtue of section 41(1) of the M21 Administration of Justice Act 1970) in relation to the enforcement of a compensation order is to deal with money paid in satisfaction of the order where the entitlement of the person in whose favour it was made is suspended.

(3) The Court of Appeal may by order annul or vary any compensation order made by the court of trial, although the conviction is not quashed; and the order, if annulled, shall not take effect and, if varied, shall take effect as varied.

(4) Where the House of Lords restores a conviction, it may make any compensation order which the court of trial could have made.

(5) Where a compensation order has been made against any person in respect of an offence taken into consideration in determining his sentence—

(a) the order shall cease to have effect if he successfully appeals against his conviction of the offence or, if more than one, all the offences, of which he was convicted in the proceedings in which the order was made;

(b) he may appeal against the order as if it were part of the sentence imposed in respect of the offence or, if more than one, any of the offences, of which he was so convicted.]

Textual Amendments

F94 Ss. 36–38 substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 105, Sch. 8 para. 16

Marginal Citations

M20 1980 c.43(82).

M21 1970 c. 31(45:1).

F95 37 Review of compensation orders. E+W

At any time before the person against whom a compensation order has been made has paid into court the whole of the compensation which the order requires him to pay, but at a time when (disregarding any power of a court to grant leave to appeal out of time) there is no further possibility of an appeal on which the order could be varied or set aside, the magistrates’ court for the time being having functions in relation to the enforcement of the order may, on the application of the person against whom it was made, discharge the order, or reduce the amount which remains to be paid, if it appears to the court—

(a) that the injury, loss or damage in respect of which the order was made has been held in civil proceedings to be less than it was taken to be for the purposes of the order; or

(b) in the case of an order in respect of the loss of any property, that the property has been recovered by the person in whose favour the order was made; or

(c) that the means of the person against whom the order was made are insufficient to satisfy in full both the order and a confiscation order under Part VI of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 made against him in the same proceedings; or

(d) that the person against whom the order was made has suffered a substantial reduction in his means which was unexpected at the time when the compensation order was made, and that his means seem unlikely to increase for a considerable period;

but where the order was made by the Crown Court, a magistrates’ court shall not exercise any power conferred by this section in a case where it is satisfied as mentioned in paragraph (c) or (d) above unless it has first obtained the consent of the Crown Court.

Textual Amendments

F95 Ss. 36-38 substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 105, Sch. 8 para. 16

F96 38 Effect of compensation order on subsequent award of damages in civil proceedings. E+W

(1) This section shall have effect where a compensation order has been made in favour of any person in respect of any injury, loss or damage and a claim by him in civil proceedings for damages in respect of the injury, loss or damage subsequently falls to be determined.

(2) The damages in the civil proceedings shall be assessed without regard to the order; but the plaintiff may only recover an amount equal to the aggregate of the following—

(a) any amount by which they exceed the compensation; and

(b) a sum equal to any portion of the compensation which he fails to recover,

and may not enforce the judgment, so far as it relates to a sum such as is mentioned in paragraph (b) above, without the leave of the court.

Textual Amendments

F96 Ss. 36-38 substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 105, Sch. 8 para. 16

Criminal bankruptcy orders E+W

39 Criminal bankruptcy orders against convicted persons. E+W

(1) Where a person is convicted of an offence before the Crown Court and it appears to the court that—

(a) as a result of the offence, or of that offence taken together with any other relevant offence or offences, loss or damage (not attributable to personal injury) has been suffered by one or more persons whose identity is known to the court; and

(b) the amount, or aggregate amount, of the loss or damage exceeds £15,000;

the court may, in addition to dealing with the offender in any other way (but not if it makes a compensation order against him), make a criminal bankruptcy order against him in respect of the offence or, as the case may be, that offence and the other relevant offence or offences.

(2) In subsection (1) above “other relevant offence or offences” means an offence or offences of which the person in question is convicted in the same proceedings or which the court takes into consideration in determining his sentence.

(3) A criminal bankruptcy order shall specify—

(a) the amount of the loss or damage appearing to the court to have resulted from the offence or, if more than one, each of the offences;

(b) the person or persons appearing to the court to have suffered that loss or damage;

(c) the amount of that loss or damage which it appears to the court that that person, or each of those persons, has suffered; and

(d) [F97 341(4) of the Insolvency Act 1986] the date which appears to the court to be the earliest date on which the offence or, if more than one, the earliest of the offences, was committed.

(4) A criminal bankruptcy order may be made against two or more offenders in respect of the same loss or damage.

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F98

(6) The Secretary of State may by order direct that subsection (1) above shall be amended by substituting, for the amount specified in that subsection as originally enacted or as previously amended under this subsection, such amount as may be specified in the order.

Textual Amendments

F97 Words substituted by virtue of Insolvency Act 1985 (c. 65, SIF 66), s. 235, Sch. 8 para. 24, Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45, SIF 66), s. 439(2), Sch. 14

F98 S. 39(5) repealed by Insolvency Act 1985 (c. 65, SIF 66), s. 235(3), Sch. 10 Pt. III

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 S. 39 restricted by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 1(5)

40 Appeals in the case of criminal bankruptcy orders. E+W

(1) No appeal shall lie against the making of a criminal bankruptcy order.

(2) Where a person successfully appeals to the Court of Appeal against his conviction of an offence by virtue of which such an order was made, the court shall rescind the order unless he was convicted in the same proceedings of another offence of which he remains convicted and a criminal bankruptcy order could have been made without reference to loss or damage caused by the first-mentioned offence; and where, accordingly, it does not rescind the order it shall amend it by striking out so much of it as relates to such loss or damage.

(3) Where on an appeal by a person against his conviction of an offence by virtue of which a criminal bankruptcy order was made the Court of Appeal substitutes a verdict of guilty of another offence, the court shall—

(a) rescind the order if a criminal bankruptcy order could not have been made against that person if he had originally been convicted of that other offence;

(b) in any other case, amend the order so far as may be required in consequence of the substitution of a verdict of guilty of the other offence.

(4) Where the Court of Appeal rescinds or amends a criminal bankruptcy order, the rescission or amendment shall not take effect—

(a) in any case until the expiration of the time for applying for leave to appeal to the House of Lords against the Court of Appeal’s decision on the appeal against conviction (disregarding any extension of time which may be granted under section 34 of the M22 Criminal Appeal Act 1968);

(b) if an application for leave to appeal is made within that time, so long as an appeal to the House of Lords is pending; and

(c) if on such an appeal the conviction is restored by that House.

(5) For the purposes of this section an appeal to the House of Lords shall be treated as pending until any application for leave to appeal is disposed of and, if leave to appeal is granted, until the appeal is disposed of; and for the purposes of this subsection an application for leave to appeal shall be treated as disposed of at the expiration of the time within which it may be made if it is not made within that time.

Marginal Citations

M22 1968 c. 19.

41 F99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F99 S. 41 repealed by Insolvency Act 1985 (c. 65, SIF 66), s. 235(3), Sch. 10 Pt. IV

Miscellaneous Powers E+W

42 Power of Crown Court on committal for sentence. E+W

Where an offender is committed by a magistrates’ court for sentence under [F100 section 38 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980] or section 62 of the M23 Criminal Justice Act 1967, the Crown Court shall enquire into the circumstances of the case and shall have power to deal with the offender in any manner in which it could deal with him if he had just been convicted of the offence on indictment before the court.

[F101 (2) Where an offender is committed by a magistrates’ court for sentence under section 37 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (committal for sentence of offender aged 15 or 16 convicted of indictable offences), the Crown Court shall enquire into the circumstances of the case and shall have power—

(a) subject to section 7(8) of the Criminal Justice Act 1982 (term of youth custody for offenders aged 15 or 16 not to exceed twelve months), to sentence him to a term of youth custody not exceeding the maximum term of imprisonment for the offence on conviction on indictment; or

(b) to deal with him in any manner in which the magistrates’ court might have dealt with him.]

Textual Amendments

F100 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 121

F101 S. 42(2) is inserted as subsection (2) of section 42 by virtue of the Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), Sch. 14 para. 34

Marginal Citations

M23 1967 c. 80.

43 Power to deprive offender of property used, or intended for use, for purposes of crime. E+W

[F102 (1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, where a person is convicted of an offence and—

(a) the court by or before which he is convicted is satisfied that any property which has been lawfully seized from him or which was in his possession or under his control at the time when he was apprehended for the offence or when a summons in respect of it was issued—

(i) has been used for the purpose of committing, or facilitating the commission of, any offence; or

(ii) was intended by him to be used for that purpose; or

(b) the offence, or an offence which the court has taken into consideration in determining his sentence, consists of unlawful possession of property which—

(i) has been lawfully seized from him; or

(ii) was in his possession or under his control at the time when he was apprehended for the offence of which he has been convicted or when a summons in respect of that offence was issued,

the court may make an order under this section in respect of that property, and may do so whether or not it also deals with the offender in respect of the offence in any other way and without regard to any restrictions on forfeiture in an enactment contained in an Act passed before the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

(1A) In considering whether to make such an order in respect of any property a court shall have regard—

(a) to the value of the property; and

(b) to the likely financial and other effects on the offender of the making of the order (taken together with any other order that the court contemplates making).]

(2) Facilitating the commission of an offence shall be taken for the purposes of this section and section 44 of this Act to include the taking of any steps after it has been committed for the purpose of disposing of any property to which it relates or of avoiding apprehension or detection, and references in this or that section to an offence punishable with imprisonment shall be construed without regard to any prohibition or restriction imposed by or under any enactment on the imprisonment of young offenders.

(3) An order under this section shall operate to deprive the offender of his rights, if any, in the property to which it relates, and the property shall (if not already in their possession) be taken into the possession of the police.

(4) The M24 Police (Property) Act 1897 shall apply, with the following modifications, to property which is in the possession of the police by virtue of this section—

(a) no application shall be made under section 1(1) of that Act by any claimant of the property after the expiration of six months from the date on which the order in respect of the property was made under this section; and

(b) no such application shall succeed unless the claimant satisfies the court either that he had not consented to the offender having possession of the property [F103 or, where an order is made under subsection (1)(a) above, that he did not know, and had no reason to suspect, that the property was likely to be used for the purpose mentioned in that paragraph].

(5) In relation to property which is in the possession of the police by virtue of this section, the power to make regulations under section 2(1) of the M25 Police (Property) Act 1897 (disposal of property in cases where the owner of the property has not been ascertained and no order of a competent court has been made with respect thereto) shall include power to make regulations for disposal in cases where no application by a claimant of the property has been made within the period specified in subsection (4)(a) above or no such application has succeeded.

Textual Amendments

F102 S. 43(1)(1A) substituted for s. 43(1) by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 69(1), Sch. 8 para. 16

F103 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 15 para. 41

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 S. 43 excluded by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 75, Sch. 3 para. 3(a)

C39 S. 43 restricted by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 1(5)

C40 S. 43 restricted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 5(c)(ii), Sch. 8 para. 16

C41 S. 43 extended by Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (c. 35, SIF 7:1), s. 7(1)

Marginal Citations

M24 1897 c. 30.

M25 1897 c. 30.

[F104 43A Application of proceeds of forfeited property. E+W

(1) Where a court makes an order under section 43 above in a case where—

(a) the offender has been convicted of an offence which has resulted in a person suffering personal injury, loss or damage; or

(b) any such offence is taken into consideration by the court in determining sentence,

the court may also make an order that any proceeds which arise from the disposal of the property and which do not exceed a sum specified by the court shall be paid to that person.

(2) The court may only make an order under this section if it is satisfied that but for the inadequacy of the means of the offender it would have made a compensation order under which the offender would have been required to pay compensation of an amount not less than the specified amount.

(3) An order under this section has no effect—

(a) before the end of the period specified in section 43(4)(a) above; or

(b) if a successful application under section 1(1) of the M26 Police (Property) Act 1897 has been made.]

Textual Amendments

F104 S. 43A inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 107, Sch. 8 para. 16

Marginal Citations

M26 1897 c.30(95).

44 Driving disqualification where vehicle used for purposes of crime. E+W

(1) This section applies where a person is convicted before the Crown Court of an offence punishable on indictment with imprisonment for a term of two years or more or, having been convicted by a magistrates’ court of such an offence, is committed under [F105 section 38 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980] to the Crown Court for sentence.

(2) If in a case to which this section applies the Crown Court is satisfied that a motor vehicle was used (by the person convicted or by anyone else) for the purpose of committing, or facilitating the commission of, the offence in question (within the meaning of section 43 of this Act), the court may order the person convicted to be disqualified, for such period as the court thinks fit, for holding or obtaining a licence to drive a motor vehicle granted under [F106 Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988].

(3) A court which makes an order under this section disqualifying a person for holding or obtaining any such licence as is mentioned in subsection (2) above shall require him to produce any such licence held by him [F107 together with its counterpart]; and—

(a) if he does not produce the licence [F108 and its counterpart] as required he shall be guilty of an offence under [F109 section 27(3) of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988] (failure to produce licence for endorsement); and

(b) if he applies under [F110 section 42] of that Act for the disqualification to be removed and the court so orders, [F110 subsection (5)] of that section shall not have effect so as to require particulars of the order to be endorsed on [F111 the counterpart of] the licence, but the court shall send notice of the order to the Secretary of State and [F110 section 47(4) of that Act] (procedure for sending notice to Secretary of State) shall apply to the notice.

Textual Amendments

F105 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 122

F106 Words substituted by Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54, SIF 107:1), s. 4, Sch. 3 para. 11(a)

F107 Words inserted by S.I. 1990/144, reg. 2(4), Sch. 4 (by art. 3 of the S.I. it is provided that the amendment shall have effect only in relation to driving licences which came into force on or after 1st June 1990 (or in their application to licences to drive a motor vehicle granted under the law of Northern Ireland, to such licences which come into force on or after 1st January 1991))

F108 Words inserted by S.I. 1990/144, reg. 2(4), Sch. 4 (by art. 3 of the S.I. it is provided that the amendment shall have effect only in relation to driving licences which come into force on or after 1st June 1990 (or in their application to licences to drive a motor vehicle granted under the law of Northern Ireland, to such licences which come into force on or after 1st January 1991))

F109 Words substituted by Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54, SIF 107:1), s. 4, Sch. 3 para. 11(b)

F110 Words substituted by Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54, SIF 107:1), s. 4, Sch. 3 para. 11(c)

F111 Words inserted by S.I. 1990/144, reg. 2(4), Sch. 4 (by art. 3 of the S.I. it is provided that the amendment shall have effect only in relation to driving licences which come into force on or after 1st June 1990 (or in their application to licences to drive a motor vehicle granted under the law of Northern Ireland, to such licences which come into force on or after 1st January 1991))

Supplemental E+W

45 Social inquiry report before sentence. E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may by rules make provision requiring that in any case to which the rules apply a court of any prescribed class shall before passing on any person a sentence to which the rules apply consider a social inquiry report, that is to say a report about him and his circumstances, made by a probation officer or any other person authorised to do so by the rules.

(2) Rules under this section may apply to a sentence of imprisonment or detention of any class prescribed by the rules and may make different provision for different cases.

(3) No sentence shall be invalidated by the failure of a court to consider a social inquiry report in accordance with rules under subsection (1) above, but any other court on appeal from that court shall consider such a report in determining whether a different sentence should be passed on the appellant from the sentence passed on him by the court below.

(4) In this section “sentence of imprisonment or detention” means a sentence of imprisonment, . . . F112 or a sentence of detention passed under section 53 of the M27 Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (young offenders convicted of grave crimes).

Textual Amendments

F112 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

Marginal Citations

M27 1933 c. 12.

46 Reports of probation officers. E+W

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, where a report by a probation officer is made to any court (other than a juvenile court) with a view to assisting the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with any person in respect of an offence, a copy of the report shall be given by the court to the offender or his counsel or solicitor.

(2) If the offender is under seventeen years of age and is not represented by counsel or a solicitor, a copy of the report need not be given to him but shall be given to his parent or guardian if present in court.

Part II U.K. Administrative and Supplemental Provisions

Rehabilitation of offenders and arrangements for persons on bail E+W

47 The probation and after-care service and its functions. E+W

The provisions of Schedule 3 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the probation and after-care service and its functions and matters connected therewith and, in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the preceding provision), with respect to—

(a) the constitution of probation and after-care areas and of probation and after-care committees and [F113 probation liasion] committees;

(b) the appointment, functions, remuneration and conditions of service of probation officers;

(c) the making of arrangements for persons to perform work under community service orders; and

(d) the provision and carrying on of . . . F114 establishments for use in connection with the rehabilitation of offenders.

Textual Amendments

F113 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 11 para. 4

F114 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

48 Power of Secretary of State to regulate community service work and training at day training centres. E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may make rules for regulating the performance of work under community service orders and the arrangements made under Schedule 3 to this Act for persons to perform such work.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, rules under this section may in particular—

(a) limit the number of hours’ work to be done by a person under such an order on any one day;

(b) make provision as to the reckoning of time worked under such orders;

(c) make provision for the payment of travelling and other expenses in connection with the performance of work under such orders;

(d) provide for records to be kept of the work done by any person under such an order.

(3),(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F115

Textual Amendments

F115 S. 48(3)(4) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

49 Power of Secretary of State to approve bail hostels and probation hostels and homes. E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may approve bail hostels, [F116 and probation hostels], and probation hostels . . . F117 so approved shall be known . . . F117 as approved probation hostels . . . F117 .

(2) The Secretary of State may make rules for the regulation, management and inspection of approved bail hostels, [F116 and approved probation hostels]; . . . F118 .

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F119

Textual Amendments

F116 Words substituted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F117 Words repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 13

F118 By virtue of the Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16 it is provided that the words from "and" to the end of s. 49(2) are repealed.

F119 S. 49(3) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C42 S. 49 repealed in part by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 11 para. 1(b)

50 F120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F120 S. 50 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 11 para. 11(), Sch. 16

Expenses and grants E+W

51 Expenses and grants payable out of moneys provided by Parliament. E+W

(1) Any expenses of the Secretary of State under this Part of this Act, and any expenses incurred by the Secretary of State—

(a) in the training of probation officers or of officers or servants serving in [F121 approved bail hostels or] approved probation hostels . . . F122 , or of persons for appointment as probation officers, or as officers or servants in such hostels . . . F122 ; or

(b) in the conduct of research into the causes of delinquency and the treatment of offenders, and matters connected therewith;

shall, to such amount as may be sanctioned by the Treasury, be defrayed out of moneys provided by Parliament.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F123

(3) There shall be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament—

(a) towards the expenditure of local authorities, and the expenditure out of the metropolitan police fund, under Schedule 3 to this Act;

(b) towards the expenditure of probation and after-care committees in providing and carrying on, under paragraph 11 of that Schedule, bail hostels, [F124 and probation hostels];

(c) towards the expenditure of any society or person in enlarging, improving or carrying on bail hostels or approved probation hostels . . . F122 or establishing, enlarging or improving premises which, when established, enlarged or improved, will be bail hostels or approved probation hostels . . . F122 ;

(d) towards the expenditure of any body approved by the Secretary of State in the training of probation officers or of persons for appointment as probation officers;

(e) towards the expenditure of any body approved by the Secretary of State in the training of officers or servants serving in [F121 approved bail hostels or] any place in which offenders or persons awaiting trial may be detained or serving in approved probation hostels . . . F122 or the training of persons for appointment as such officers or servants;

(f) towards the expenditure of any society or individual engaged in supervising or assisting persons convicted of offences with a view to their rehabilitation;

(g) towards the expenditure of any body or person approved by the Secretary of State in the conduct of research into the causes of delinquency and the treatment of offenders, and matters connected therewith;

such sums as the Secretary of State may with the approval of the Treasury direct, and subject to such conditions as he may with the like approval determine.

(4) Subject to subsection (5) below, the Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, make regulations providing for the deduction from any sums which would otherwise be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament to local authorities, whether under subsection (3) above or under the M28 Children and Young Persons Act 1933, of such amounts as may be prescribed by the regulations in respect of expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State—

(a) in the training of any such officers, servants or other persons as are mentioned in subsection (1) above;

(b) in making any payments under paragraph (c) or (d) of subsection (3) above;

(c) in making payments under paragraph (e) of subsection (3) above in respect of expenditure incurred in the training of officers or servants serving in [F121 approved bail hostels or] approved probation hostels . . . F122 or the training of persons for appointment as such officers or servants.

(5) The sums to be deducted in respect of any expenditure of the Secretary of State in pursuance of any regulations made under subsection (4) above shall not exceed half that expenditure.

(6) The conditions subject to which any sums are paid to a probation and after-care committee under paragraph (b) of subsection (3) above may include conditions for securing the repayment in whole or in part of the sums received by the committee if the hostel . . . F125 in question ceases to be used as such.

(7) The conditions subject to which any sums are paid to any society or person under paragraph (c) of subsection (3) above may include conditions for securing the repayment in whole or in part of the sums received by the society or person—

(a) where the sums are paid in respect of a bail hostel, if it ceases to be used as such;

(b) where the sums are paid in respect of an approved probation hostel . . . F125 , if it ceases to be approved;

and, notwithstanding anything in the constitution of the hostel . . . F125 in question or of the managers thereof, or in the trusts, if any, to which the property of the hostel . . . F125 or of the managers is subject, the managers and any persons who are trustees of any of the property in question may accept those sums on those conditions, and execute any instrument required for carrying into effect those conditions, and shall be bound by those conditions and by any instrument so executed and have power to fulfil the conditions and the obligations created by the instrument.

(8) All sums received by the Secretary of State under this section shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

Textual Amendments

F121 Words inserted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F122 Words "or homes" repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 13

F123 S. 51(2) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F124 Words substituted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F125 Words repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 13

Marginal Citations

M28 1933 c. 12.

Miscellaneous and supplemental U.K.

52 Evidence with respect to offences punishable in Scotland. E+W

For the purposes of this Act a certificate purporting to be signed by or on behalf of the Lord Advocate that an offence is punishable in Scotland with imprisonment or is punishable in Scotland on indictment with imprisonment for a term specified in the certificate shall be evidence of the matter so certified.

53 Execution of process between England and Wales and Scotland. E+W

Section 4 of the M29 Summary Jurisdiction (Process) Act 1881 (execution of process of English courts in Scotland and vice versa) shall apply to any process issued under Part I of this Act . . . F126 as it applies to process issued under the M30 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1952 by a magistrates’ court.

Textual Amendments

F126 Words repealed by Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21), Sch. 10 Pt. I

Marginal Citations

M29 1881 c. 24.

M30 1952 c. 55.

54 Rules and orders. E+W

(1) Any power of the Secretary of State to make rules or orders under this Act shall be exercised by statutory instrument.

(2) Subject to subsection (3) below, any rules or orders made by the Secretary of State under this Act shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3) Subsection (2) above does not apply to rules under section 49 of this Act nor to orders under section [F127 2 or 7 or] 14 of or paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to this Act, but no order shall be made by the Secretary of State under section [F127 2 or 7 or] 14 unless a draft of it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(4) Any order made by the Secretary of State under section [F127 2 or 7 or] 14 or 39 of this Act may be revoked by a subsequent order of the Secretary of State under that section, an order under section 26(2)(a) may be revoked by a subsequent order under that paragraph or under section 26(2)(b), and an order under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to this Act may be varied or revoked by a subsequent order.

Textual Amendments

F127 Words inserted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 57(3)

55 Transitional provisions. E+W

Schedule 4 to this Act shall have effect for the purpose of the transition to the provisions of this Act from the law in force before the commencement of this Act.

56 Consequential amendments and repeals. U.K.

(1) The enactments specified in Schedule 5 to this Act shall have effect subject to the amendments set out in that Schedule, being amendments consequential on the preceding provisions of this Act, but the amendment of any enactment by that Schedule shall not be taken as prejudicing the operation of section 38 of the M31 Interpretation Act 1889 (which relates to the effect of repeals).

(2) The enactments specified in Schedule 6 to this Act (which include enactments which were spent before the passing of this Act) are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C43 The text of s. 56 and Schedule 6 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M31 1889 c. 63

57 Interpretation. E+W

(1) In this Act, except so far as the context otherwise requires, the following expressions have the meanings hereby respectively assigned to them, that is to say—

• “the appropriate officer of the court” means, in relation to a magistrates’ court, the clerk of the court;

• “approved bail hostel” means a bail hostel approved by the Secretary of State under section 49(1) of this Act;

• “approved probation hostel” [F128 means a probation hostel approved] by the Secretary of State under section 49(1) of this Act;

• “bail hostel” means premises for the accommodation of persons remanded on bail;

• “community service order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 14(1) of this Act;

• “compensation order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 35(1) of this Act;

• “court” does not include a court-martial;

• “criminal bankruptcy order” means an order under section 39(1) of this Act;

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F129

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F130

• “extended sentence certificate” has the meaning assigned to it by section 28 of this Act;

• “local authority” means, in relation to any probation and after-care area, any authority out of whose funds the salary of the clerk to the justices for a petty sessions area contained in the probation and after-care area is paid;

• “order for conditional discharge” has the meaning assigned to it by section 7 of this Act;

• “period of conditional discharge” has the meaning assigned to it by section 7 of this Act;

• “probationer” means a person for the time being under supervision by virtue of a probation order;

• “probation hostel” means premises for the accommodation of persons who may be required to reside there by a probation order, . . . F131 ;

• “probation order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of this Act;

• “probation period” means the period for which a probationer is placed under supervision by a probation order;

• “the register” means the register of proceedings before a magistrates’ court required by rules made under [F132 section 144 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980] to be kept by the clerk of the court;

• “sentence of imprisonment” does not include a committal in default of payment of any sum of money, or for want of sufficient distress to satisfy any sum of money, or for failure to do or abstain from doing anything required to be done or left undone;

• “supervising court” has the meaning assigned to it by section 2(2) of this Act;

• “supervision order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 26(1) of this Act;

• “suspended sentence” means a sentence to which an order under section 22(1) of this Act relates.

(2) For the purposes of any reference in this Act, however expressed, to the term of imprisonment or other detention to which a person has been sentenced or which, or part of which, he has served, consecutive terms and terms which are wholly or partly concurrent shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be treated as a single term.

(3) Without prejudice to sections 20(1) and 21(1) of this Act, any reference in this Act however expressed to a previous conviction or sentence shall be construed as a reference to a previous conviction by a court in any part of Great Britain and to a previous sentence passed by any such court.

(4) Without prejudice to the meaning of references in sections 14, 43 and 44 of this Act to an offence punishable with imprisonment, any such reference elsewhere in this Act shall be construed, in relation to any offender, without regard to any prohibition or restriction imposed by or under any enactment on the imprisonment of offenders of his age.

(5) For the purposes of this Act a compensation order, supervision order or community service order made on appeal from a decision of a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court shall be treated as if it had been made by a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court, as the case may be.

(6) Any reference to this Act to any other enactment is a reference thereto as amended, and includes a reference thereto as extended or applied, by or under any other enactment, including this Act.

Textual Amendments

F128 Words substituted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

F129 Definition repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F130 Definition repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 16

F131 Words repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 13

F132 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 123

58 Application to Scotland. E+W+S

The following provisions of this Act shall extend to Scotland, that is to say—

(a) sections 8(4), 10, 13, [F133 17C] 25(3), 29(7), . . . F134 , . . . F135 and this section; and

(b) section 56 and Schedules 5 and 6 so far as they amend or repeal any enactment or any part of an enactment which extends to Scotland;

but, except as provided by this section, this Act shall not extend to Scotland.

Textual Amendments

F133 "17C" inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 13 para. 2(1)

F134 Words repealed by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 65(7), Sch. 13

F135 Word repealed by Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21), Sch. 10 Pt. I

59 Northern Ireland. E+W+N.I.

(1) [F136 Sections 17C and] 29(7) of this Act and this section shall extend to Northern Ireland but except as provided by this subsection this Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F137

(3) The references in section 29(6) and (7) of this Act to section 26 of the M32 Criminal Justice Act 1961 shall be construed, in relation to Northern Ireland, as references to that section as amended by any Act of the Parliament of Northern Ireland, or Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly, whether passed before or after this Act.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F137

Textual Amendments

F136 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 13 para. 2(2)

F137 S. 59(2)(4) repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1977 (c. 18), Sch. 1 Pt. XIII

Marginal Citations

M32 1961 c. 39.

60 Short title and commencement. E+W

(1) This Act may be cited as the Powers of Criminal Courts Act 1973.

(2) This Act shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order appoint, and different days may be so appointed for different provisions; and any reference in any provision of this Act to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the day so appointed for the coming into force of that provision.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C44 Power of appointment conferred by s. 60(2) not fully exercised