The Life Sentences (Northern Ireland) Order 2001

Determination of tariffs

5.—(1) Where a court passes a life sentence, the court shall, unless it makes an order under paragraph (3), order that the release provisions shall apply to the offender in relation to whom the sentence has been passed as soon as he has served the part of his sentence which is specified in the order.

(2) The part of a sentence specified in an order under paragraph (1) shall be such part as the court considers appropriate to satisfy the requirements of retribution and deterrence having regard to the seriousness of the offence, or of the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it.

(3) If the court is of the opinion that, because of the seriousness of the offence or of the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, no order should be made under paragraph (1), the court shall order that, subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), the release provisions shall not apply to the offender.

(4) If, in a case where an order under paragraph (3) is in force, the offender was aged over 18 when he committed the offence, the Secretary of State may at the appropriate stage direct that the release provisions shall apply to the offender as soon as he has served the part of his sentence which is specified in the direction.

(5) If, in a case where an order under paragraph (3) is in force, the offender was aged under 18 when he committed the offence, the Secretary of State shall at the appropriate stage direct that the release provisions shall apply to the offender as soon as he has served the part of his sentence which is specified in the direction.

(6) The appropriate stage, for the purposes of paragraphs (4) and (5), is when the Secretary of State has formed the opinion, having regard to any factors determined by him to be relevant for the purpose, that it is appropriate for him to give the direction.

(7) An offence is associated with another for the purposes of this Article if—

(a) the offender is convicted of it in the proceedings in which he is convicted of the other offence, or (although convicted of it in earlier proceedings) is sentenced for it at the same time as he is sentenced for that offence; or

(b) the offender admits the commission of it in the proceedings in which he is sentenced for the other offence and requests the court to take it into consideration in sentencing him for that offence.

(8) This Article has effect in relation to life sentences passed after the appointed day.