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F1 S. 8 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, s. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 22(1)(w)(3)(x).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F2 S. 9 repealed (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 12 Pt.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F3 S. 9A repealed (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 12 Pt.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F4 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).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F5 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).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F6 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).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F7 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).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F8 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).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F9 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).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F10 Ss. 10-27 repealed (30.9.1998) by 1998 c. 37, ss. 107(2), 120(2), Sch.10; S.I. 1998/2327, art. 2(1)(w)(3)(x).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.

[F26 (6A) Sections 28A and 28B contain provision that relates to the Parole Board's function of giving directions under subsection (5) for the release of life prisoners.]

(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 [F27 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.

[F28 (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) [F29 , or

(c) subsection (2) of section 321 of the Sentencing Code (life sentence: minimum term order etc).]]

F30 (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 S. 28(6A) inserted (4.1.2021) by Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020 (c. 19), ss. 1(2), 3(2); S.I. 2020/1537, reg. 2

F27 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)

F28 S. 28(8A) inserted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 275(1)(4), 336(2)

F29 S. 28(8A)(c) and word inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 145 (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F30 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.

[F31 28A Murder or manslaughter: prisoner's non-disclosure of information E+W

(1) The Parole Board must comply with this section when making a public protection decision about a life prisoner if—

(a) the prisoner's life sentence was passed for murder or manslaughter;

(b) the Parole Board does not know where and how the victim's remains were disposed of; and

(c) the Parole Board believes that the prisoner has information about where, or how, the victim's remains were disposed of (whether the information relates to the actions of the prisoner or any other individual) which the prisoner has not disclosed to the Parole Board (“the prisoner's non-disclosure”).

(2) When making the public protection decision about the life prisoner, the Parole Board must take into account—

(a) the prisoner's non-disclosure; and

(b) the reasons, in the Parole Board's view, for the prisoner's non-disclosure.

(3) This section does not limit the matters which the Parole Board must or may take into account when making a public protection decision.

(4) In subsection (1)(a)—

(a) the reference to a life sentence includes a life sentence passed before the coming into force of section 1 of the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020;

(b) the reference to murder includes—

(i) murder under the law of Scotland, Northern Ireland, any of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, and

(ii) any offence under the law of any other country or territory that corresponds to murder under the law of England and Wales;

(c) the reference to manslaughter includes—

(i) culpable homicide under the law of Scotland,

(ii) manslaughter under the law of Northern Ireland, any of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, and

(iii) any offence under the law of any other country or territory that corresponds to manslaughter under the law of England and Wales.

(5) In this section, in relation to a life prisoner—

• “public protection decision” means the decision, made under section 28(6)(b) for the purposes of section 28(5), as to whether the Parole Board is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should be confined;

• “victim” means the victim of the offence for which the prisoner's life sentence was passed;

and a reference to the victim's remains being disposed of includes the remains being left at the location where the victim died.

Textual Amendments

F31 Ss. 28A, 28B inserted (4.1.2021) by Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020 (c. 19), ss. 1(1), 3(2); S.I. 2020/1537, reg. 2

28B Indecent images: prisoner's non-disclosure of information E+W

(1) The Parole Board must comply with this section when making a public protection decision about a life prisoner if—

(a) the prisoner's life sentence was passed for—

(i) an offence of taking an indecent photograph of a child, or

(ii) a relevant offence of making an indecent pseudo-photograph of a child;

(b) the Parole Board does not know the identity of the child who is the subject of the relevant indecent image; and

(c) the Parole Board believes that the prisoner has information about the identity of the child who is the subject of the relevant indecent image which the prisoner has not disclosed to the Parole Board (“the prisoner's non-disclosure”).

(2) When making the public protection decision about the prisoner, the Parole Board must take into account—

(a) the prisoner's non-disclosure; and

(b) the reasons, in the Parole Board's view, for the prisoner's non-disclosure.

(3) This section does not limit the matters which the Parole Board must or may take into account when making a public protection decision.

(4) In subsection (1)(a), the reference to a life sentence includes a life sentence passed before the coming into force of section 1 of the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020.

(5) For the purposes of this section, an offence is an “offence of taking an indecent photograph of a child” if it is—

(a) an offence of taking an indecent photograph of a child under section 1(1)(a) of the Protection of Children Act 1978 (the “England and Wales offence”), or

(b) an offence of taking an indecent photograph of a child under the law of Scotland, Northern Ireland, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or any other country or territory that corresponds to the England and Wales offence.

(6) For the purposes of this section, an offence is a “relevant offence of making an indecent pseudo-photograph of a child” if—

(a) it is—

(i) an offence under section 1(1)(a) of the Protection of Children Act 1978 of making an indecent pseudo-photograph of a child (the “England and Wales offence”), or

(ii) an offence of making an indecent pseudo-photograph of a child under the law of Scotland, Northern Ireland, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or any other country or territory that corresponds to the England and Wales offence, and

(b) the Parole Board believes that an image of a real child was or may have been used in the making of the pseudo-photograph;

and in the application of this section to a relevant offence of making an indecent pseudo-photograph of a child, the references in subsection (1)(b) and (c) to the child who is the subject of the relevant indecent image are references to the real child.

(7) In this section—

• “public protection decision”, in relation to a prisoner, means the decision, made under section 28(6)(b) for the purposes of section 28(5), as to whether the Parole Board is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should be confined;

• “relevant indecent image” means—

  (a)

  the photograph to which an offence of taking an indecent photograph of a child relates, or

  (b)

  the pseudo-photograph to which a relevant offence of making an indecent pseudo-photograph of a child relates.]

Textual Amendments

F31 Ss. 28A, 28B inserted (4.1.2021) by Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020 (c. 19), ss. 1(1), 3(2); S.I. 2020/1537, reg. 2

F32 29 Power to release other life prisoners. E+W

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

Textual Amendments

F32 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 [F33 , other than a prisoner to whom section 31A below applies,] is released on licence, the licence shall, unless previously revoked under section 32 F34 ... below, remain in force until his death.

[F35 (1A) Where a prisoner to whom section 31A below applies is released on licence, the licence shall remain in force until his death unless—

(a) it is previously revoked under section 32(1) or (2) below; or

(b) it ceases to have effect in accordance with an order made by the Secretary of State under section 31A below.]

(2) A life prisoner subject to a licence shall comply with such conditions F36 ... 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.

[F37 (2A) The conditions so specified shall include on the prisoner’s release conditions as to his supervision by—

(a) [F38 an officer of a local probation board] appointed for or assigned to the [F39 local justice area] within which the prisoner resides for the time being [F40 or (as the case may be) an officer of a provider of probation services acting in the 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 F41 ... 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.]

[F42 (3) The Secretary of State must not include a condition in a life prisoner's licence on release, insert a condition in such a licence or vary or cancel a condition of such a licence except—

(a) in accordance with recommendations of the Parole Board, or

(b) where required to do so by an order under section 62A of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (compulsory electronic monitoring conditions).]

F43 (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 [F44 section 259 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003]), subsection (2) above shall have effect as if [F45 subsection (2A) above] were omitted.

Textual Amendments

F33 Words in s. 31(1) inserted (4.4.2005) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 18 para. 1(2); S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 40 (with Sch. 2) (as explained (29.7.2005) by S.I. 2005/2122, art. 2; and as amended: (14.7.2008) by 2008 c. 4, Sch. 26 para. 78, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, Sch. 1 paras. 48(s), 50(2)(d); (30.11.2009) by S.I. 2009/3111, art. 2; (3.12.2012) by S.I. 2012/2905, art. 4; (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 14 para. 17; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(l))

F34 Words in s. 31(1) repealed (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 153(7), Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 50(2)(b)

F35 S. 31(1A) inserted (4.4.2005) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 18 para. 1(3); S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 40 (with Sch. 2) (as explained (29.7.2005) by S.I. 2005/2122, art. 2; and as amended: (14.7.2008) by 2008 c. 4, Sch. 26 para. 78, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, Sch. 1 paras. 48(s), 50(2)(d); (30.11.2009) by S.I. 2009/3111, art. 2; (3.12.2012) by S.I. 2012/2905, art. 4; (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 14 para. 17; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(l))

F36 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

F37 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

F38 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)

F39 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

F40 Words in s. 31(2A)(a) inserted (1.4.2008) by The Offender Management Act 2007 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/912), Sch. 1 para. 12(2)

F41 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)

F42 S. 31(3) substituted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 2 para. 1 (with s. 7(5)); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 73

F43 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

F44 Words in s. 31(6) substituted (4.4.2005) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 32 para. 83(4); S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 42(32) (with Sch. 2) (as explained (29.7.2005) by S.I. 2005/2122, art. 2; and as amended: (14.7.2008) by 2008 c. 4, Sch. 26 para. 78, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, Sch. 1 paras. 48(s), 50(2)(d); (30.11.2009) by S.I. 2009/3111, art. 2; (3.12.2012) by S.I. 2012/2905, art. 4; (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 14 para. 17; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(l))

F45 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).

[F46 31A Imprisonment or detention for public protection: termination of licences E+W

(1) This section applies to a prisoner who—

(a) is serving one or more preventive sentences, and

(b) is not serving any other life sentence.

(2) Where—

(a) the prisoner has been released on licence under this Chapter; and

(b) the qualifying period has expired,

the Secretary of State shall, if directed to do so by the Parole Board, order that the licence is to cease to have effect.

(3) Where—

(a) the prisoner has been released on licence under this Chapter;

(b) the qualifying period has expired; and

(c) if he has made a previous application under this subsection, a period of at least twelve months has expired since the disposal of that application,

the prisoner may make an application to the Parole Board under this subsection.

(4) Where an application is made under subsection (3) above, the Parole Board—

(a) shall, if it is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the licence should remain in force, direct the Secretary of State to make an order that the licence is to cease to have effect;

(b) shall otherwise dismiss the application.

(5) In this section—

• “preventive sentence” means a sentence of imprisonment for public protection under section 225 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 or a sentence of detention for public protection under section 226 of that Act [F47 (including such a sentence of imprisonment [F48 or detention in a young offender institution] or detention passed as a result of section 219 or 221 of the Armed Forces Act 2006)];

• “the qualifying period”, in relation to a prisoner who has been released on licence, means the period of ten years beginning with the date of his release.]

Textual Amendments

F46 S. 31A inserted (4.4.2005) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 18 para. 2; S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 40 (with Sch. 2) (as explained (29.7.2005) by S.I. 2005/2122, art. 2; and as amended: (14.7.2008) by 2008 c. 4, Sch. 26 para. 78, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, Sch. 1 paras. 48(s), 50(2)(d); (30.11.2009) by S.I. 2009/3111, art. 2; (3.12.2012) by S.I. 2012/2905, art. 4; (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 14 para. 17; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(l))

F47 Words in s. 31A(5) inserted (28.3.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 141; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F48 Words in s. 31A(5) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 117(10)(a), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 31A(4) applied (22.7.2019) by The Parole Board Rules 2019 (S.I. 2019/1038), rules 1, 31(4)

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

[F49 (1) The Secretary of State may, in the case of any life prisoner who has been released on licence under this Chapter, revoke his licence and recall him to prison.]

(3) A life prisoner recalled to prison under [F50 this section]—

(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 [F51 the case of a life prisoner recalled under this section].

[F52 (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

F49 S. 32(1) substituted for s. 32(1)(2) (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 31(2), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 17

F50 Words in s. 32(3) substituted (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 31(3), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 17

F51 Words in s. 32(4) substituted for s. 32(4)(a)(b) (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 31(4), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 17

F52 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)

C10 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

[F53 32ZA Offence of remaining unlawfully at large after recall E+W

(1) A person recalled to prison under section 32 commits an offence if the person—

(a) has been notified of the recall orally or in writing, and

(b) while unlawfully at large fails, without reasonable excuse, to take all necessary steps to return to prison as soon as possible.

(2) A person is to be treated for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) as having been notified of the recall if—

(a) written notice of the recall has been delivered to an appropriate address, and

(b) a period specified in the notice has elapsed.

(3) In subsection (2) “an appropriate address” means—

(a) an address at which, under the person's licence, the person is permitted to reside or stay, or

(b) an address nominated, in accordance with the person's licence, for the purposes of this section.

(4) A person is also to be treated for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) as having been notified of the recall if—

(a) the person's licence requires the person to keep in touch in accordance with any instructions given by an officer of a provider of probation services,

(b) the person has failed to comply with such an instruction, and

(c) the person has not complied with such an instruction for at least 6 months.

(5) A person who is guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine (or both);

(b) on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine (or both).

(6) In relation to an offence committed before [F54 2 May 2022], the reference in subsection (5)(b) to 12 months is to be read as a reference to 6 months.

(7) In relation to an offence committed before section 85 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 comes into force, the reference in subsection (5)(b) to a fine is to be read as a reference to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.]

Textual Amendments

F53 S. 32ZA inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 12(1), 95(1) (with s. 12(3)); S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 8

F54 Words in s. 32ZA(6) substituted (28.4.2022) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 33) and Sentencing Act 2020 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/500), regs. 1(2), 5(1), Sch. Pt. 1

[F55 Persons liable to removal from the United Kingdom E+W

Textual Amendments

F55 Ss. 32A, 32B and cross-heading inserted (1.5.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 119, 151(2)(b) (with Sch. 15)

32A Removal of prisoners liable to removal from United Kingdom E+W

(1) Where P—

(a) is a life prisoner in respect of whom a minimum term order has been made, and

(b) is liable to removal from the United Kingdom,

the Secretary of State may remove P from prison under this section at any time after P has served the relevant part of the sentence (whether or not the Parole Board has directed P's release under section 28).

(2) But if P is serving two or more life sentences—

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

(b) the Secretary of State may not remove P from prison under this section until P has served the relevant part of each of them.

(3) If P is removed from prison under this section—

(a) P is so removed only for the purpose of enabling the Secretary of State to remove P from the United Kingdom under powers conferred by—

(i) Schedule 2 or 3 to the Immigration Act 1971, or

(ii) section 10 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and

(b) so long as remaining in the United Kingdom, P remains liable to be detained in pursuance of the sentence.

(4) So long as P, having been removed from prison under this section, remains in the United Kingdom but has not been returned to prison, any duty or power of the Secretary of State under section 28 or 30 is exercisable in relation to P as if P were in prison.

(5) In this section—

• “liable to removal from the United Kingdom” has the meaning given by section 259 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003;

• “the relevant part” has the meaning given by section 28.

32B Re-entry into United Kingdom of offender removed from prison E+W

(1) This section applies if P, having been removed from prison under section 32A, is removed from the United Kingdom.

(2) If P enters the United Kingdom—

(a) P is liable to be detained in pursuance of the sentence from the time of P's entry into the United Kingdom;

(b) if no direction was given by the Parole Board under subsection (5) of section 28 before P's removal from prison, that section applies to P;

(c) if such a direction was given before that removal, P is to be treated as if P had been recalled to prison under section 32.

(3) A person who is liable to be detained by virtue of subsection (2)(a) is, if at large, to be taken for the purposes of section 49 of the Prison Act 1952 (persons unlawfully at large) to be unlawfully at large.

(4) Subsection (2)(a) does not prevent P's further removal from the United Kingdom.]

Miscellaneous and supplemental E+W

F56 33 Life prisoners transferred to England and Wales. E+W

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

Textual Amendments

F56 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 [F57 and includes a transferred life prisoner as defined by section 273 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003]; F58 ...

(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 [F59 section 90 or 91 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] [F60 or section 250 or 259 of the Sentencing Code]; and

(c) a sentence of custody for life [F61 under section 93 or 94 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000, under section 272 or 275 of the Sentencing Code (including a sentence passed as a result of section 217 of the Armed Forces Act 2006) or under section 210A of the Armed Forces Act 2006].

[F62 (d) a sentence of imprisonment [F63 or detention in a young offender institution] for public protection under section 225 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F64 (including one passed as a result of section 219 of the Armed Forces Act 2006], F65 ...

(e) a sentence of detention for public protection under section 226 of that Act [F66 (including one passed as a result of section 221 of the Armed Forces Act 2006)].]

[F67 (f) a sentence of detention for life under section 209 of the Armed Forces Act 2006;

(g) a sentence under section 218 of that Act (detention at Her Majesty's pleasure).]

F68 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F69 (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

F57 Words in s. 34(1) inserted (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 273(4), 336(2)

F58 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

F59 Words in s. 34(2)(3) substituted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 183(2)(3)

F60 Words in s. 34(2)(b) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 146(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F61 Words in s. 34(2)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 146(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F62 S. 34(2)(d)(e) inserted (4.4.2005) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 18 para. 3; S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 40 (with Sch. 2) (as explained (29.7.2005) by S.I. 2005/2122, art. 2; and as amended: (14.7.2008) by 2008 c. 4, Sch. 26 para. 78, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, Sch. 1 paras. 48(s), 50(2)(d); (30.11.2009) by S.I. 2009/3111, art. 2; (3.12.2012) by S.I. 2012/2905, art. 4; (3.12.2012) by 2012 c. 10, Sch. 14 para. 17; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(l))

F63 Words in s. 34(2)(d) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 117(10)(b), 151(1) (with Sch. 15); S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(d)

F64 Words in s. 34(2)(d) inserted (28.3.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 142(2)(a); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F65 Word in s. 34(2)(d) repealed (28.3.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F66 Words in s. 34(2)(e) inserted (28.3.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 142(2)(b); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F67 S. 34(2)(f)(g) added (28.3.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 142(2)(c); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F68 S. 34(3) repealed (28.3.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), s. 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 142(3), Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F69 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)

C11 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

C12 S. 34(1) extended (18.12.2003) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(2), Sch. 22 para. 17

C13 S. 34(2) modified (24.4.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), art. 1(3), Sch. 1 para. 40