Powers of Criminal Courts Act 1973 (repealed)

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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. I (ss. 1-46) modified (E.W.) (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 11 (1)(3), 101(1), Sch. 12, para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

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)

[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)

C2 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).

C3 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)

C4 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).

[F16 Probation] E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F16 S. 2 substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(1), 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F17 2 Probation orders. E+W

(1) Where a court by or before which a person of or over the age of sixteen years is convicted of an offence (not being an offence for which the sentence is fixed by law) is of the opinion that the supervision of the offender by a probation officer is desirable in the interests of—

(a) securing the rehabilitation of the offender; or

(b) protecting the public from harm from him or preventing the commission by him of further offences,

the court may make a probation order, that is to say, an order requiring him to be under the supervision of a probation officer for a period specified in the order of 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 specify the petty sessions area in which the offender resides or will reside; and the offender shall, subject to paragraph 12 of Schedule 2 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (offenders who change their residence), be required to be under the supervision of a probation officer appointed for or assigned to that area.

(3) Before making a probation order, the court shall explain to the offender in ordinary language—

(a) the effect of the order (including any additional requirements proposed to be included in the order in accordance with section 3 below);

(b) the consequences which may follow under Schedule 2 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991 if he fails to comply with any of the requirements of the order; and

(c) that the court has under that Schedule power to review the order on the application either of the offender or of the supervising officer,

and the court shall not make the order unless he expresses his willingness to comply with its requirements.

(4) 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—

(a) to the offender;

(b) to the probation officer responsible for the offender’s supervision; and

(c) to the person in charge of any institution in which the offender is required by the order to reside.

(5) The court by which such an order is made shall also, except where it itself acts for the petty sessions area specified in the order, send to the clerk to the justices for that area—

(a) a copy of the order; and

(b) such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to a court acting for that area in the exercise of its functions in relation to the order.

(6) An offender in respect of whom a probation order is made shall keep in touch with the probation officer responsible for his supervision 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.

(7) 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.

(8) An order under subsection (7) above may make in paragraph 13(2)(a)(i) of Schedule 2 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991 any amendment which the Secretary of State thinks necessary in consequence of any substitution made by the order.

Textual Amendments

F17 S. 2 substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(1), 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 2 modified (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 16, Sch. 3, Pt. I, para. 1(1) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

C6 S. 2 modified (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 16, Sch. 3, Pt. I, para. 2(1) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

C7 S. 2 applied (1.10.1992) by Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 188(4), 389(4) (as substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 16, Sch. 3, Pt. II, para. 7(3) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2)

C8 S. 2(3) modified (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 16, Sch. 3, Pt. I, para. 6(3) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

[F18 3 Additional requirements which may be included in such orders. E+W

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, 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 desirable in the interests of—

(a) securing the rehabilitation of the offender; or

(b) protecting the public from harm from him or preventing the commission by him of further offences.

(2) 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 additional requirements of a probation order.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, the additional requirements which may be included in a probation order shall include the requirements which are authorised by Schedule 1A to this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F18 S. 3 substituted (1.10.1992) for ss. 3-4B by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 9(1), 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

4 F19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F19 S. 4 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16, Sch. 17 para. 16

[F20 4A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F21 4B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F22 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 5 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 14(2), 101(2), Sch. 13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F23 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 6 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 14(2), 101(2), Sch. 13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

F24 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 7 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(3)(b), 101(1)(2), Sch. 12 para. 1, Sch. 13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F25 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 8 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(3)(c), 101(1)(2), Sch. 12 para. 1, Sch.13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

F26 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 9 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(3)(b), 101(1)(2), Sch. 12, para. 1, Sch. 13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F27 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 10 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(1), Sch.13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

[F28 Probation and discharge] E+W

Textual Amendments

F28 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.

[F29 (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 [F30 paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991]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

F29 S. 11(1A) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 66(3)(a)

F30 Words in s. 11(2) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11, para. 10; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

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 [F31 .section 2(4)], 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 [F32 section 1A or 2] 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 [F33 or to make an order under section 43 below].

Textual Amendments

F31 Words in s. 12(2) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11, para. 11(a); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

F32 Words in s. 12(4) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11, para. 11(b); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F33 Words added by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39: 1), s. 69(2), Sch. 8 para. 16 (with s. 28).

F34 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F34 S. 13 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 8(2)(3)(c), 101(1)(2), Sch. 12, paras. 1, 2, Sch.13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Community service orders E+W

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

(1) Where a person of or over [F35 sixteen] years of age is convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment, the court by or before which he is convicted may, F36 . . . (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 . . . F37 .

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.

[F38 (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

[F39 (b) not more than 240.]]

[F40 (2) A court shall not make a community service order in respect of any offender unless the offender consents and the court, after hearing (if the court thinks it necessary) a probation officer or social worker of a local authority social services department, is satisfied that the offender is a suitable person to perform work under such an order.

(2A) Subject to paragraphs 3 and 4 of Schedule 3 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (reciprocal enforcement of certain orders) a court shall not make a community service order in respect of an offender unless it 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.]

(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 [F41 specified in paragraph (b) F42 . . . 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 [F43 Part IV of Schedule 2 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991]), 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 [F44 Part II of Schedule 2 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991] if he fails to comply with any of those requirements; and

(c) that the court has under [F45 Parts III and IV of that Schedule] t he 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 [F46 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 M1 Theft Act 1968.

Textual Amendments

F35 Word substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(a)(i)

F36 Words in s. 14(1) repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 10(1), 101(1)(2), Sch. 12 para. 1, Sch.13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F37 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(a)(ii)

F38 S. 14(1A) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(b)

F39 S. 14(1A)(b) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 10(2), 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F40 S. 14(2)(2A) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 10(3), 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F41 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 12 para. 1(d)

F42 Words in s. 14(3) repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch. 13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

F43 Words in s. 14(4) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11 para. 12(a); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F44 Words in s. 14(5)(b) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11 para. 12(b); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F45 Words in s. 14(5)(c) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11 para. 12(c); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 14 modified (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 16, Sch. 3 paras. 3(1), 4(1) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

C12 S. 14(1) applied (5.2.1994) by 1993 c. 47, ss. 30(1), 33(2).

C13 S. 14(1A) applied (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 14(1), Sch. 2 Pt. II, para. 6(3) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

S. 14(2) applied (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, 39:1), s. 14(1), Sch. 2 para. 6(4) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

C14 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

C15 S. 14(5) modified (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 16, Sch. 3 para. 6(3) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

Marginal Citations

M1 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—

[F47 (a) keep in touch with the relevant officer in accordance with such instructions as he may from time to time be given by that officer and notify him of any change of address;]

(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 [F48 paragraph 15 of Schedule 2 to the Criminal Justice Act 1991], 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 [F49 ; 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

F47 S. 15(1)(a) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 10(4), 101(1), Sch. 12, para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F48 Words in s. 15(2) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11, para. 13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F49 Words added by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), Sch. 12

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 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

C17 S. 15(2) power to modify conferred (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 14(1), Sch. 2, para. 15 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F50 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F50 S. 16 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 14(2), 101(2), Sch.13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F51 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F51 S. 17 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 14(2), 101(2), Sch. 13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

[F52 Community service orders relating to persons residing in Scotland or Northern Ireland] E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F52 Ss. 17A–17C inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 68, Sch. 13

F53 17A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F53 S. 17A-17C repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch. 13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F54 17B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F54 S. 17A-17C repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch.13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

F55 17C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F55 S. 17A-17C repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch. 13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F56

Textual Amendments

F56 S. 18(2) repealed by Criminal Attempts Act 1981 (c. 47, SIF 39:1), Sch. Pt. I

19 F57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F57 S. 19 repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F58 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F58 S. 20 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch.13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F59 20A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F59 S. 20A repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch.13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

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, . . . F60 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 M2 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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F61

Textual Amendments

F60 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F61 S. 21(3)(c) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

Marginal Citations

M2 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.

[F62 (2) A court shall not deal with an offender by means of a suspended sentence unless it is of the opinion—

(a) that the case is one in which a sentence of imprisonment would have been appropriate even without the power to suspend the sentence; and

(b) that the exercise of that power can be justified by the exceptional circumstances of the case.

(2A) A court which passes a suspended sentence on any person for an offence shall consider whether the circumstances of the case are such as to warrant in addition the imposition of a fine or the making of a compensation order.]

(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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F63

(6) Subject to any provision to the contrary contained in the M3 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

F62 S. 22(2)(2A) substituted (1.10.1992) for s. 22(2) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 5(1), 101(1), Sch. 12, para. 1 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F63 S. 22(5) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 16

Marginal Citations

M3 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 . . . F64 , 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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F65

(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

F64 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 31, Sch. 16

F65 S. 23(3)–(5) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 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 [F66 £1000].

[F67 (4) A fine imposed under subsection (3) above shall be deemed, for the purposes of any enactment, to be a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction.]

Textual Amendments

F66 Amount in s. 27(3) substituted (1.10.1992) by virtue of Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 17(3), Sch. 4, Pt. I (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F67 S. 27(4) substituted (20.9.1993) by 1993 c. 36, s. 65(3), Sch. 3 para. 6(2); S.I. 1993/1968, art. 2(2), Sch.2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 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

C20 S. 27(3): power to amend conferred (1.10.1992) by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 6A (as substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 17(2)(3), Sch. 4, Pt. IV (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Powers relating to persistent offenders U.K.

F68 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F68 S. 28 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 5(2)(a), 101(1)(2), Sch. 12, para. 1, Sch. 13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

[F69 29 [F69 Supplementary provisions as to persistent offenders.] S+N.I.

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

F69 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F69 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F70 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) A person sentenced to an extended term of imprisonment under section 28 of this Act and transferred under section 26 of the M4 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.]

Extent Information

E1 Text Missing

Textual Amendments

F69 S. 29 repealed (E.W.) (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 5(2)(a), 101(1)(2), Sch. 12, para. 1, Sch.13 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F70 S. 29(6) repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

Marginal Citations

M4 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 F71 . . ., 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.

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

Textual Amendments

F71 Words "(such as the power to make a probation order)" in s. 30(1) repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch.13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch.2

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

[F76 An amount not exceeding £200]	[F76 7 days]
[F76 An amount exceeding £200 but not exceeding £ 500]	[F76 14 days]
[F76 An amount exceeding £500 but not exceeding £1000]	[F76 28 days]
[F76 An amount exceeding £1000 but not exceeding £2,500]	[F76 45 days]
[F76 An amount exceeding £2,500 but not exceeding £5,000]	[F76 3 months]
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 [F77 sevendays].

(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.

[F78 (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 Entries in Table in s. 31(3A) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 23(1) (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F77 Words in s. 31(3C) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11, para.14; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F78 S. 31(7)(8) substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 67(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 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)

S. 31 modified (1.11.1995) by 1988 c. 33, s. 74C(7) (as inserted by 1995 c. 11, s.7; S.I. 1995/2650, art.2).

S. 31 applied (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 46, ss. 222(8), 309(2) (with ss. 24(2), 307(2)).

C22 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

C23 S. 31(1)-(3C) extended (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 37, ss. 9(1)(6), 69(2) (with s. 66(2)).

S. 31(1)-(3C) extended (with modifications) (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 37, ss. 9(1)(6), 19(7), 69(2) (with s. 66(2)).

C24 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

C25 S. 31(2) modified (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 37, ss. 15(13)(14), 16(4)(b), 17(4)(b), 21(5)(a), 69(2) (with s. 66(2)).

C26 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)

C27 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

C28 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

C29 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 [F79 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 [F80 section 79(2) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980] (part payment) or [F80 section 85(1) of that Act] (remission) that term as so reduced, notwithstanding that that term exceeds the period applicable to the case under . . . F81 . . . F82 [F83 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 [F84 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, [F84 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 [F85 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

F79 Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 14 para. 33

F80 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 120(a)

F81 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

F82 Word repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), Sch. 16

F83 Words substituted by Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2, SIF 40:1), Sch. 4 para. 12 Table Pt. I

F84 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 120(b)

F85 Words substituted by Justices of the Peace Act 1979 (c. 55), Sch. 2 para. 25

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 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)

C31 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)

C32 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)).

C33 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 F86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F86 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 M5 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

M5 1970 c. 31.

[F87 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 M6 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) . . . F88 or

[F89 (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 M7 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

F87 S. 34A inserted by Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45), s. 49

F88 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

F89 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

M6 1970 c. 31.

M7 1952 c. 55.

Compensation orders E+W

35 Compensation orders against convicted persons. E+W

[F90 (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 [F91 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 M8 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.

[F92 (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 M9 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 M10 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 M11 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.]

[F93 (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)]

[F94 (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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F95

Textual Amendments

F90 S. 35(1)(1A) substituted for s. 35(1) by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 67(a)

F91 Words added by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 104(1), Sch. 8 para. 16

F92 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

F93 S. 35(4) substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 170, Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch. 15 para. 40

F94 S. 35(4A) inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), s. 67(b)

F95 S. 35(5) repealed by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43), Sch. 9

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34 S. 35(1) restricted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), s. 40

C35 S. 35(4)(a) excluded (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 57(3)(b), 101(1), Sch. 12, para. 14; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

C36 S. 35(4)(a) modified (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 57(3)(c), 101(1), Sch. 12, para. 14; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

C37 S. 35(4A) saved (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 18(7)(a), 101(1), Sch. 12, para. 6 (with s. 28); S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Marginal Citations

M8 1968 c. 60.

M9 1968 c. 60(39:6).

M10 1972 c. 20

M11 1976 c. 30(122:3).

[F96 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 M12 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 M13 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

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

Marginal Citations

M12 1980 c.43(82).

M13 1970 c. 31(45:1).

F97 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

F97 Ss. 36-38 substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 105, Sch. 8 para. 16

F98 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 [F99 or a service compensation order or award] 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 [F100 or award]; 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.

[F101 (3) In this section a “service compensation order or award” means—

(a) an order requiring the payment of compensation under paragraph 11 of Schedule 5A to the Army Act 1955, of Schedule 5A to the Air Force Act 1955 or of Schedule 4A to the Naval Discipline Act 1957; or

(b) an award of stoppages payable by way of compensation under any of those Acts.]

Textual Amendments

F98 Ss. 36-38 substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 105, Sch. 8 para. 16

F99 Words in s. 38(1) inserted (1.1.1992) by Armed Forces Act 1991 (c. 62, SIF 7:1), s. 26(1), Sch. 2 para. 9(1)(a); S.I. 1991/2719, art.2

F100 Words in s. 38(2) inserted (1.1.1992) by Armed Forces Act 1991 (c. 62, SIF 7:1), s. 26(1), Sch. 2 para. 9(1)(b); S.I. 1991/2719, art. 2

F101 S. 38(3) inserted (1.1.1992) by Armed Forces Act 1991 (c. 62, SIF 7:1), s. 26(1), Sch. 2 para. 9(1)(c); S.I. 1991/2719, art. 2

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) [F102 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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F103

(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

F102 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

F103 S. 39(5) repealed by Insolvency Act 1985 (c. 65, SIF 66), s. 235(3), Sch. 10 Pt. III

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 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 M14 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

M14 1968 c. 19.

41 F104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F104 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 [F105 section 38 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980] or section 62 of the M15 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.

[F106 (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) F107 . . . , 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

F105 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 121

F106 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

F107 Words in s. 42(2)(a) repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch. 13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Marginal Citations

M15 1967 c. 80.

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

[F108 (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).]

[F109 (1B) Where a person commits an offence to which this subsection applies by—

(a) driving, attempting to drive, or being in charge of a vehicle, or

(b) failing to comply with a requirement made under section 7 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (failure to provide specimen for analysis or laboratory test) in the course of an investigation into whether the offender had committed an offence while driving, attempting to drive or being in charge of a vehicle, or

(c) failing, as the driver of a vehicle, to comply with subsection (2) or (3) of section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (duty to stop and give information or report accident),

the vehicle shall be regarded for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) above (and subsection (4)(b) below) as used for the purpose of committing the offence (and for the purpose of committing any offence of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of the offence).

(1C) Subsection (1B) above applies to—

(a) an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 which is punishable with imprisonment,

(b) an offence of manslaughter, and

(c) an offence under section 35 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 (wanton and furious driving).]

(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 M16 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 [F110 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 M17 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

F108 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

F109 S. 43(1B)(1C) inserted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s.36; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

F110 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)

C39 S. 43 excluded by Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12, SIF 96), s. 75, Sch. 3 para. 3(a)

C40 S. 43 restricted by Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32, SIF 39:1), s. 1(5)

C41 S. 43 restricted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 5(c)(ii), Sch. 8 para. 16

C42 S. 43 extended by Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (c. 35, SIF 7:1), s. 7(1)

C43 S. 43 restricted (prosp.) by 1986 c. 32, s. 4B (as inserted (prosp.) by 1993 c. 36 ss. 14(1), 78(4)).

S. 43 restricted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 37, ss. 2(5)(b)(iii), 20(1)(a)(iii), 69(2) (with s. 66(2)).

Marginal Citations

M16 1897 c. 30.

M17 1897 c. 30.

[F111 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 M18 Police (Property) Act 1897 has been made.]

Textual Amendments

F111 S. 43A inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), s. 107, Sch. 8 para. 16

Marginal Citations

M18 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 [F112 section 38 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980] to the Crown Court for sentence.

[F113 (1A) This section also applies where a person is convicted by or before any court of common assault or of any other offence involving an assault (including an offence of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring, or inciting to the commission of, an offence).]

(2) If in a case to which this section applies [F114 by virtue of subsection (1) above]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 [F115 Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988].

[F116 (2A) If in a case to which this section applies by virtue of subsection (1A) above the court is satisfied that the assault was committed by driving a motor vehicle, the court may order the person convicted to be disqualified, for such period as the court thinks fit, for holding or obtaining such a licence.]

(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 [F117 together with its counterpart]; F118 . . .

F118 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F118 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F112 Words substituted by Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43, SIF 82), Sch. 7 para. 122

F113 S. 44(1A) inserted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 38(2); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch. (with art. 6(5) (as amended by S.I. 1992/1410, art. 2))

F114 Words in s. 44(2) inserted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 38(3); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch. (with art. 6(5) (as amended by S.I. 1992/1410, art. 2))

F115 Words substituted by Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988 (c. 54, SIF 107:1), s. 4, Sch. 3 para. 11(a)

F116 S. 44(2A) inserted (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 38(4); S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch. (with art. 6(5) (as amended by S.I. 1992/1410, art. 2))

F117 Words inserted by S.I. 1990/144, reg. 2(4), Sch. 4 (by reg. 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))

F118 S. 44(3): paras. (a)(b) and the word "and" immediately preceding them repealed (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 83, Sch.8; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2,Sch. (with art. 6(5) (as amended by S.I. 1992/1410, art. 2))

Supplemental E+W

F119 45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F119 S. 45 repealed (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(2), Sch. 13; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

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 [F120 youth 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.

Textual Amendments

F120 Words in s. 46 substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 100, Sch. 11, para. 40(2)(i)