Crime (Sentences) Act 1997

Part II E+W Effect of custodial sentences

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. II applied in part (with modifications) (1.10.1997) by S.I. 1997/1776, art. 2, Sch. 1 paras. 2-4; S.I. 1997/2200, art. 2(1)

Chapter I E+W Determinate sentences

General E+W

F1 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 8 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 22(1)(w)(3)(x).

F2 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 9 repealed (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 12 Pt. I (with Sch. 11 paras. 1, 2)

F3 9A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 9A repealed (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 12 Pt. I (with Sch. 11 paras. 1, 2)

Early release E+W

F4 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F4 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F5 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F5 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F6 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F6 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F7 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F7 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

Additional days E+W

F8 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F8 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F9 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F9 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

Supervision after release E+W

F10 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F10 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F11 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F11 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F12 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F12 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

Special cases E+W

F13 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F14 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F14 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F15 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F15 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F16 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F17 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F17 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F18 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F18 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F19 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F19 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

Supplemental E+W

F20 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F20 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

F21 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F21 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).

Chapter II E+W Life sentences

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Pt. II Ch. II excluded (1.9.2001) by 2001 c. 17, s. 42, Sch. 7 para. 3(1) (with s. 78); S.I. 2001/2161, art. 2

Release on licence E+W

28 Duty to release certain life prisoners. E+W

[F22 [F23 (1A) This section applies to a life prisoner in respect of whom a minimum term order has been made; and any reference in this section to the relevant part of such a prisoner’s sentence is a reference to the part of the sentence specified in the order.]

(1B) But if a life prisoner is serving two or more life sentences—

(a) [F24 this section does not apply to him] unless [F25 a minimum term order has been made in respect of each of those sentences]; and

(b) the provisions of subsections (5) to (8) below do not apply in relation to him until he has served the relevant part of each of them.

(5) As soon as—

(a) a life prisoner to whom this section applies has served the relevant part of his sentence; and]

(b) the Parole Board has directed his release under this section,

it shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to release him on licence.

(6) The Parole Board shall not give a direction under subsection (5) above with respect to a life prisoner to whom this section applies unless—

(a) the Secretary of State has referred the prisoner’s case to the Board; and

(b) the Board is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should be confined.

(7) A life prisoner to whom this section applies may require the Secretary of State to refer his case to the Parole Board at any time—

(a) after he has served the relevant part of his sentence; and

(b) where there has been a previous reference of his case to the Board, after the end of the period of two years beginning with the disposal of that reference; and

(c) where he is also serving a sentence of imprisonment or detention for a term, after [F26 he has served one-half of that sentence];

and in this subsection “previous reference” means a reference under subsection (6) above or section 32(4) below.

(8) In determining for the purpose of subsection (5) or (7) above whether a life prisoner to whom this section applies has served the relevant part of his sentence, no account shall be taken of any time during which he was unlawfully at large within the meaning of section 49 of the M1 Prison Act 1952.

[F27 (8A) In this section “minimum term order” means an order under—

(a) subsection (2) of section 82A of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (determination of minimum term in respect of life sentence that is not fixed by law), or

(b) subsection (2) of section 269 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (determination of minimum term in respect of mandatory life sentence).]

F28 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 28(1A)(1B)-(5)(a) substituted for s. 28(1)-(5)(a) (30.11.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 7 para. 145 of the substituting Act) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 136(a)

F23 S. 28(1A) substituted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 275(1)(2), 336(2)

F24 Words in s. 28(1B)(a) substituted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 275(3)(a), 336(2)

F25 Words in s. 28(1B)(a) substituted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 275(3)(b), 336(2)

F26 Words in s. 28(7)(c) substituted (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 119, Sch. 8 para. 130(2); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(2)(ll)

F27 S. 28(8A) inserted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 275(1)(4), 336(2)

F28 S. 28(9) repealed (30.11.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 7 para. 145 and notes to Sch. 8 of the repealing Act) by 2000 c. 43, ss. 74, 75, Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 136(b), Sch. 8

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 28: exercise of functions restricted in or as regards Scotland (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1748, art. 8(2), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 1(1)

C4 S. 28 modified (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(2), Sch. 22 para. 16

C5 S. 28(1B) modified (30.11.2000) by 2000 c. 43, ss. 74, 80(3)(d), Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 146-148

Marginal Citations

M1 1952 c.52.

F29 29 Power to release other life prisoners. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 29 repealed (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 303(b)(i), 336(2), Sch. 37 Pt. 8

30 Power to release life prisoners on compassionate grounds. E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may at any time release a life prisoner on licence if he is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist which justify the prisoner’s release on compassionate grounds.

(2) Before releasing a life prisoner under subsection (1) above, the Secretary of State shall consult the Parole Board, unless the circumstances are such as to render such consultation impracticable.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 30: exercise of functions restricted in or as regards Scotland (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1748, art. 8(2), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 1(1)

Licences and recall E+W

31 Duration and conditions of licences. E+W

(1) Where a life prisoner is released on licence, the licence shall, unless previously revoked under section 32(1) or (2) below, remain in force until his death.

(2) A life prisoner subject to a licence shall comply with such conditions F30 . . . as may for the time being be specified in the licence; and the Secretary of State may make rules for regulating the supervision of any description of such persons.

[F31 (2A) The conditions so specified shall include on the prisoner’s release conditions as to his supervision by—

(a) [F32 an officer of a local probation board] appointed for or assigned to the [F33 local justice area] within which the prisoner resides for the time being;

(b) where the prisoner is under the age of 22, a social worker of the [F34 social services department of the] local authority within whose area the prisoner resides for the time being; or

(c) where the prisoner is under the age of 18, a member of a youth offending team established by that local authority under section 39 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.]

(3) The Secretary of State shall not include on release, or subsequently insert, a condition in the licence of a life prisoner, or vary or cancel any such condition, [F35 except in accordance with recommendations of the Parole Board].

F36 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) The power to make rules under this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6) In relation to a life prisoner who is liable to removal from the United Kingdom (within the meaning given by [F37 section 46(3) of the 1991 Act]), subsection (2) above shall have effect as if [F37 subsection (2A) above] were omitted.

Textual Amendments

F30 Words in s. 31(2) repealed (30.9.1998 in the areas specified in S.I. 1998/2327, Sch. 1 and otherwise 1.4.2000) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 119, 120(2), Sch. 8 para. 131(1), Sch. 10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 3(1)(b)(c), Sch. 1; S.I. 2000/924, art. 3

F31 S. 31(2A) inserted (30.9.1998 in the areas specified in S.I. 1998/2327, Sch. 1 and otherwise 1.4.2000) by 1998 c. 37, s. 119, Sch. 8 para. 131(2); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 3(1)(b), Sch. 1; S.I. 2000/924, art. 3

F32 Words in s. 31(2A)(a) substituted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 74, Sch. 7 Pt. I para. 4(1)(a)(2); S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(i)

F33 Words in s. 31(2A)(a) substituted (1.4.2005) by The Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/886), art. 1, Sch. para. 53

F34 Words in s. 31(2A)(b) repealed (1.4.2005 for E., 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), Sch. 5 Pt. 4; S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)

F35 Words in s. 31(3) substituted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(2), Sch. 32 para. 83(2)

F36 S. 31(4) repealed (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(2), Sch. 32 para. 83(3), Sch. 37 Pt. 8

F37 Words in s. 31(6) substituted (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 119, Sch. 8 para. 131(3); S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(2)(mm).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 31: exercise of functions restricted in or as regards Scotland (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1748, art. 8(2), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 1

C8 S. 31(6) modified (1.1.1998) by S.I. 1997/2200, art. 5(3)(a)

S. 31(6) modified (19.9.1998) by S.I. 1998/2327, art. 5(1)(b).

32 Recall of life prisoners while on licence. E+W

(1) If recommended to do so by the Parole Board in the case of a life prisoner who has been released on licence under this Chapter, the Secretary of State may revoke his licence and recall him to prison.

(2) The Secretary of State may revoke the licence of any life prisoner and recall him to prison without a recommendation by the Parole Board, where it appears to him that it is expedient in the public interest to recall that person before such a recommendation is practicable.

(3) A life prisoner recalled to prison under subsection (1) or (2) above—

(a) may make representations in writing with respect to his recall; and

(b) on his return to prison, shall be informed of the reasons for his recall and of his right to make representations.

(4) The Secretary of State shall refer to the Parole Board—

(a) the case of a life prisoner recalled under subsection (1) above who makes representations under subsection (3) above; and

(b) the case of a life prisoner recalled under subsection (2) above.

[F38 (5) Where on a reference under subsection (4) above the Parole Board directs the immediate release on licence under this section of the life prisoner, the Secretary of State shall give effect to the direction.]

(6) On the revocation of the licence of any life prisoner under this section, he shall be liable to be detained in pursuance of his sentence and, if at large, shall be deemed to be unlawfully at large.

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 32(5) substituted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(2), Sch. 32 para. 84

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 32: exercise of functions restricted in or as regards Scotland (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1748, art. 8(2), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 1

Miscellaneous and supplemental E+W

F39 33 Life prisoners transferred to England and Wales. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 33 repealed (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 303(b)(ii), 336(2), Sch. 37 Pt. 8

34 Interpretation of Chapter II. E+W

(1) In this Chapter “life prisoner” means a person serving one or more life sentences [F40 and includes a transferred life prisoner as defined by section 273 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003] ; F41 . . .

(2) In this section “life sentence” means any of the following imposed for an offence, whether committed before or after the commencement of this Chapter, namely—

(a) a sentence of imprisonment for life;

(b) a sentence of detention during Her Majesty’s pleasure or for life under [F42 section 90 or 91 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000]; and

(c) a sentence of custody for life under [F42 section 93 or 94 of that Act].

(3) F43 ... in subsection (2) above—

(a) the reference to [F42 section 90 or 91 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] includes a reference to subsections (3) and (4) of section 71A of the M2 Army Act 1955 and the M3 Air Force Act 1955 and section 43A of the M4 Naval Discipline Act 1957; and

(b) the reference to [F42 section 93 or 94 of that Act of 2000] includes a reference to subsections (1A) and (1B) of [F42 section 71A of the Army Act 1955 and the Air Force Act 1955 and section 43A of the Naval Discipline Act 1957.]

[F44 (4) Where a person has been sentenced to one or more life sentences and to one or more terms of imprisonment, nothing in this Chapter shall require the Secretary of State to release the person in respect of any of the life sentences unless and until the Secretary of State is required to release him in respect of each of the terms.]

Textual Amendments

F40 Words in s. 34(1) inserted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 273(4), 336(2)

F41 Word in s. 34(1) repealed (30.11.2000 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 7 para. 145 and notes to Sch. 8 of the repealing Act) by 2000 c. 43, ss. 74, 75, 80(3)(d), Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 138, Sch. 8

F42 Words in s. 34(2)(3) substituted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 183(2)(3)

F43 Words in s. 34(3) repealed (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(2), Sch. 37 Pt. 8

F44 S. 34(4) inserted (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 101(2), 120(1), Sch. 9 para. 11; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(v).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 34: exercise of functions restricted in or as regards Scotland (30.6.1999) by S.I. 1999/1748, art. 8(2), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 1

C11 S. 34(1) extended (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(2), Sch. 22 para. 17

Marginal Citations

M2 1955 c.18.

M3 1955 c.19.

M4 1957 c.53.