Release: further provisions
12 Interpretation: prisoners and sentences.
(1)
This section has effect for the purposes of this Act.
(2)
A fixed term prisoner is a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment for a fixed term.
(3)
A life prisoner is a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment for life.
(4)
References to a sentence of imprisonment for life include references to a sentence of detention at the Secretary of State’s pleasure.
(5)
Two or more consecutive sentences being served by a prisoner shall be treated as a single sentence if they were passed on the same occasion and each—
(a)
is for at least five years, and
(b)
was passed in Northern Ireland for a qualifying offence (within the meaning of section 3).