Sentencing Act 2020

82 Effect of discharge

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an order for absolute discharge, or

(b) an order for conditional discharge,

is made in respect of an offence.

(2) The conviction of that offence is to be deemed not to be a conviction for any purpose other than the purposes of—

(a) the proceedings in which the order is made, and

(b) in the case of an order for conditional discharge, any subsequent proceedings which may be taken against the offender under Schedule 2.

This is subject to subsection (3).

(3) In the case of an order for conditional discharge, if the offender is sentenced (under Schedule 2) for the offence—

(a) the order ceases to have effect, and

(b) if the offender was aged 18 or over when convicted of the offence, subsection (2) ceases to apply to the conviction.

(4) Without prejudice to subsections (2) and (3), the offender’s conviction is in any event to 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.

(5) Subsections (2) to (4) do not affect—

(a) any right of the offender to rely on the conviction in bar of any subsequent proceedings for the same offence, or

(b) the restoration of any property in consequence of the conviction.

(6) In subsection (4)—

• “enactment” includes an enactment contained in a local Act;

• “instrument” means an instrument having effect by virtue of an Act.

(7) Subsection (2) has effect subject to the following (which concern rights of appeal)—

(a) section 50(1A) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968, and

(b) section 108(1A) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980.

Nothing in this subsection affects any other enactment that excludes the effect of subsection (2) or (4) for particular purposes.