Criminal Justice Act 2003

Part 12 U.K.Sentencing

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Chapter 1E+WGeneral provisions about sentencing

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2Pt. 12 Ch. 1: power to amend conferred (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 4(3), 153; S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(d)

Matters to be taken into account in sentencingE+W

142Purposes of sentencingE+W

(1)Any court dealing with an offender in respect of his offence must have regard to the following purposes of sentencing—

(a)the punishment of offenders,

(b)the reduction of crime (including its reduction by deterrence),

(c)the reform and rehabilitation of offenders,

(d)the protection of the public, and

(e)the making of reparation by offenders to persons affected by their offences.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply—

(a)in relation to an offender who is aged under 18 at the time of conviction,

(b)to an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law,

(c)to an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) (minimum sentence for certain firearms offences), under subsection (2) of section 110 or 111 of the Sentencing Act (required custodial sentences) [F1, under section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (minimum sentences in certain cases of using someone to mind a weapon)] or under [F2 section 225(2) or 226(2) ] of this Act (dangerous offenders), or

(d)in relation to the making under Part 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) of a hospital order (with or without a restriction order), an interim hospital order, a hospital direction or a limitation direction.

(3)In this Chapter “sentence”, in relation to an offence, includes any order made by a court when dealing with the offender in respect of his offence; and “sentencing” is to be construed accordingly.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1S. 142 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Prospective

F3142APurposes etc. of sentencing: offenders under 18E+W

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Textual Amendments

143Determining the seriousness of an offenceE+W

(1)In considering the seriousness of any offence, the court must consider the offender’s culpability in committing the offence and any harm which the offence caused, was intended to cause or might forseeably have caused.

(2)In considering the seriousness of an offence (“the current offence”) committed by an offender who has one or more previous convictions, the court must treat each previous conviction as an aggravating factor if (in the case of that conviction) the court considers that it can reasonably be so treated having regard, in particular, to—

(a)the nature of the offence to which the conviction relates and its relevance to the current offence, and

(b)the time that has elapsed since the conviction.

(3)In considering the seriousness of any offence committed while the offender was on bail, the court must treat the fact that it was committed in those circumstances as an aggravating factor.

(4)Any reference in subsection (2) to a previous conviction is to be read as a reference to—

(a)a previous conviction by a court in the United Kingdom, or

[F4(b)a previous conviction of a service offence within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“conviction” here including anything that under section 376(1) and (2) of that Act is to be treated as a conviction).]

(5)Subsections (2) and (4) do not prevent the court from treating a previous conviction by a court outside the United Kingdom as an aggravating factor in any case where the court considers it appropriate to do so.

Textual Amendments

F4S. 143(4)(b) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 216; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 143(4) modified (24.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), arts. 1(2)(3)(a), 205, Sch. 1 para. 53(5)

Commencement Information

I2S. 143 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

144Reduction in sentences for guilty pleasE+W

(1)In determining what sentence to pass on an offender who has pleaded guilty to an offence in proceedings before that or another court, a court must take into account—

(a)the stage in the proceedings for the offence at which the offender indicated his intention to plead guilty, and

(b)the circumstances in which this indication was given.

(2)In the case of an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under subsection (2) of section 110 or 111 of the Sentencing Act, nothing in that subsection prevents the court, after taking into account any matter referred to in subsection (1) of this section, from imposing any sentence which is not less than 80 per cent of that specified in that subsection.

Commencement Information

I3S. 144 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

145Increase in sentences for racial or religious aggravationE+W

(1)This section applies where a court is considering the seriousness of an offence other than one under sections 29 to 32 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) (racially or religiously aggravated assaults, criminal damage, public order offences and harassment etc).

(2)If the offence was racially or religiously aggravated, the court—

(a)must treat that fact as an aggravating factor, and

(b)must state in open court that the offence was so aggravated.

(3)Section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (meaning of “racially or religiously aggravated”) applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of sections 29 to 32 of that Act.

Commencement Information

I4S. 145 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

146Increase in sentences for aggravation related to disability or sexual orientationE+W

(1)This section applies where the court is considering the seriousness of an offence committed in any of the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2).

(2)Those circumstances are—

(a)that, at the time of committing the offence, or immediately before or after doing so, the offender demonstrated towards the victim of the offence hostility based on—

(i)the sexual orientation (or presumed sexual orientation) of the victim, or

(ii)a disability (or presumed disability) of the victim, or

(b)that the offence is motivated (wholly or partly)—

(i)by hostility towards persons who are of a particular sexual orientation, or

(ii)by hostility towards persons who have a disability or a particular disability.

(3)The court—

(a)must treat the fact that the offence was committed in any of those circumstances as an aggravating factor, and

(b)must state in open court that the offence was committed in such circumstances.

(4)It is immaterial for the purposes of paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) whether or not the offender’s hostility is also based, to any extent, on any other factor not mentioned in that paragraph.

(5)In this section “disability” means any physical or mental impairment.

Commencement Information

I5S. 146 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

General restrictions on community sentencesE+W

147Meaning of “community sentence” etc.E+W

(1)In this Part “community sentence” means a sentence which consists of or includes—

(a)a community order (as defined by section 177), or

(b)one or more youth community orders.

(2)In this Chapter “youth community order” means—

(a)a curfew order as defined by section 163 of the Sentencing Act,

(b)an exclusion order under section 40A(1) of that Act,

(c)an attendance centre order as defined by section 163 of that Act,

(d)a supervision order under section 63(1) of that Act, or

(e)an action plan order under section 69(1) of that Act.

Commencement Information

I6S. 147 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

148Restrictions on imposing community sentencesE+W

(1)A court must not pass a community sentence on an offender unless it is of the opinion that the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, was serious enough to warrant such a sentence.

(2)Where a court passes a community sentence which consists of or includes a community order—

(a)the particular requirement or requirements forming part of the community order must be such as, in the opinion of the court, is, or taken together are, the most suitable for the offender, and

(b)the restrictions on liberty imposed by the order must be such as in the opinion of the court are commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it.

(3)Where a court passes a community sentence which consists of or includes one or more youth community orders—

(a)the particular order or orders forming part of the sentence must be such as, in the opinion of the court, is, or taken together are, the most suitable for the offender, and

(b)the restrictions on liberty imposed by the order or orders must be such as in the opinion of the court are commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it.

(4)Subsections (1) and (2)(b) have effect subject to section 151(2).

[F5(5)The fact that by virtue of any provision of this section—

(a)a community sentence may be passed in relation to an offence; or

(b)particular restrictions on liberty may be imposed by a community order or youth rehabilitation order,

does not require a court to pass such a sentence or to impose those restrictions.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I7S. 148 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

149Passing of community sentence on offender remanded in custodyE+W

(1)In determining the restrictions on liberty to be imposed by a community order or youth community order in respect of an offence, the court may have regard to any period for which the offender has been remanded in custody in connection with the offence or any other offence the charge for which was founded on the same facts or evidence.

(2)In subsection (1) “remanded in custody” has the meaning given by section 242(2).

Commencement Information

I8S. 149 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

150Community sentence not available where sentence fixed by law etc.E+W

The power to make a community order or youth community order is not exercisable in respect of an offence for which the sentence—

(a)is fixed by law,

(b)falls to be imposed under section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) (required custodial sentence for certain firearms offences),

(c)falls to be imposed under section 110(2) or 111(2) of the Sentencing Act (requirement to impose custodial sentences for certain repeated offences committed by offenders aged 18 or over), F6. . .

[F7(ca)falls to be imposed under section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (required custodial sentence in certain cases of using someone to mind a weapon), or]

(d)falls to be imposed under [F8section 225(2) or 226(2) of this Act (requirement to impose sentence of imprisonment for life or detention for life)]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I9S. 150 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

[F9150ACommunity order available only for offences punishable with imprisonment or for persistent offenders previously finedE+W

(1)The power to make a community order is only exercisable in respect of an offence if—

(a)the offence is punishable with imprisonment; or

(b)in any other case, section 151(2) confers power to make such an order.

(2)For the purposes of this section and section 151 an offence triable either way that was tried summarily is to be regarded as punishable with imprisonment only if it is so punishable by the sentencing court (and for this purpose section 148(1) is to be disregarded).]

Textual Amendments

Prospective

F3151Community order or youth rehabilitation order for persistent offender previously finedE+W

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Textual Amendments

General restrictions on discretionary custodial sentencesE+W

152General restrictions on imposing discretionary custodial sentencesE+W

(1)This section applies where a person is convicted of an offence punishable with a custodial sentence other than one—

(a)fixed by law, or

(b)falling to be imposed under section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27), under [F10section 110(2) or 111(2) of the Sentencing Act, under section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006] or under [F11section 225(2) or 226(2)] of this Act.

(2)The court must not pass a custodial sentence unless it is of the opinion that the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, was so serious that neither a fine alone nor a community sentence can be justified for the offence.

(3)Nothing in subsection (2) prevents the court from passing a custodial sentence on the offender if—

(a)he fails to express his willingness to comply with a requirement which is proposed by the court to be included in a community order and which requires an expression of such willingness, or

(b)he fails to comply with an order under section 161(2) (pre-sentence drug testing).

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I10S. 152 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

153Length of discretionary custodial sentences: general provisionE+W

(1)This section applies where a court passes a custodial sentence other than one fixed by law or F12. . . imposed under section 225 or 226.

(2)Subject to section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27), sections 110(2) and 111(2) of the Sentencing Act [F13, section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006] and sections 227(2) and 228(2) of this Act, the custodial sentence must be for the shortest term (not exceeding the permitted maximum) that in the opinion of the court is commensurate with the seriousness of the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I11S. 153 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Prospective

General limit on magistrates' court’s power to impose imprisonmentE+W

F3154General limit on magistrates' court’s power to impose imprisonmentE+W

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Textual Amendments

155Consecutive terms of imprisonmentE+W

(1)Section 133 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (consecutive terms of imprisonment) is amended as follows.

(2)In subsection (1), for [F14“the words from “the longest” to “being imposed”] there is substituted “ 65 weeks ”.

(3)Subsection (2) is omitted.

(4)In subsection (3) for “the preceding subsections” there is substituted “ subsection (1) above ”.

Textual Amendments

Procedural requirements for imposing community sentences and discretionary custodial sentencesE+W

156Pre-sentence reports and other requirementsE+W

(1)In forming any such opinion as is mentioned in section 148(1), (2)(b) or (3)(b), section 152(2) or section 153(2), a court must take into account all such information as is available to it about the circumstances of the offence or (as the case may be) of the offence and the offence or offences associated with it, including any aggravating or mitigating factors.

(2)In forming any such opinion as is mentioned in section 148(2)(a) or (3)(a), the court may take into account any information about the offender which is before it.

(3)Subject to subsection (4), a court must obtain and consider a pre-sentence report before—

(a)in the case of a custodial sentence, forming any such opinion as is mentioned in section 152(2), section 153(2), section 225(1)(b), section 226(1)(b), section 227(1)(b) or section 228(1)(b)(i), or

(b)in the case of a community sentence, forming any such opinion as is mentioned in section 148(1), (2)(b) or (3)(b) or any opinion as to the suitability for the offender of the particular requirement or requirements to be imposed by the community order.

(4)Subsection (3) does not apply if, in the circumstances of the case, the court is of the opinion that it is unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report.

(5)In a case where the offender is aged under 18, the court must not form the opinion mentioned in subsection (4) unless—

(a)there exists a previous pre-sentence report obtained in respect of the offender, and

(b)the court has had regard to the information contained in that report, or, if there is more than one such report, the most recent report.

(6)No custodial sentence or community sentence is invalidated by the failure of a court to obtain and consider a pre-sentence report before forming an opinion referred to in subsection (3), but any court on an appeal against such a sentence—

(a)must, subject to subsection (7), obtain a pre-sentence report if none was obtained by the court below, and

(b)must consider any such report obtained by it or by that court.

(7)Subsection (6)(a) does not apply if the court is of the opinion—

(a)that the court below was justified in forming an opinion that it was unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report, or

(b)that, although the court below was not justified in forming that opinion, in the circumstances of the case at the time it is before the court, it is unnecessary to obtain a pre-sentence report.

(8)In a case where the offender is aged under 18, the court must not form the opinion mentioned in subsection (7) unless—

(a)there exists a previous pre-sentence report obtained in respect of the offender, and

(b)the court has had regard to the information contained in that report, or, if there is more than one such report, the most recent report.

Commencement Information

I12S. 156 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

157Additional requirements in case of mentally disordered offenderE+W

(1)Subject to subsection (2), in any case where the offender is or appears to be mentally disordered, the court must obtain and consider a medical report before passing a custodial sentence other than one fixed by law.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply if, in the circumstances of the case, the court is of the opinion that it is unnecessary to obtain a medical report.

(3)Before passing a custodial sentence other than one fixed by law on an offender who is or appears to be mentally disordered, a court must consider—

(a)any information before it which relates to his mental condition (whether given in a medical report, a pre-sentence report or otherwise), and

(b)the likely effect of such a sentence on that condition and on any treatment which may be available for it.

(4)No custodial sentence which is passed in a case to which subsection (1) applies is invalidated by the failure of a court to comply with that subsection, but any court on an appeal against such a sentence—

(a)must obtain a medical report if none was obtained by the court below, and

(b)must consider any such report obtained by it or by that court.

(5)In this section “mentally disordered”, in relation to any person, means suffering from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20).

(6)In this section “medical report” means a report as to an offender’s mental condition made or submitted orally or in writing by a registered medical practitioner who is approved for the purposes of section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by the Secretary of State as having special experience in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder.

(7)Nothing in this section is to be taken to limit the generality of section 156.

Commencement Information

I13S. 157 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

158Meaning of “pre-sentence report”E+W

(1)In this Part “pre-sentence report” means a report which—

(a)with a view to assisting the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with an offender, is made or submitted by an appropriate officer, and

(b)contains information as to such matters, presented in such manner, as may be prescribed by rules made by the Secretary of State.

[F15(1A)Subject to any rules made under subsection (1)(b) and to subsection (1B), the court may accept a pre-sentence report given orally in open court.

(1B)But a pre-sentence report that—

(a)relates to an offender aged under 18, and

(b)is required to be obtained and considered before the court forms an opinion mentioned in section 156(3)(a),

must be in writing.]

(2)In subsection (1) “an appropriate officer” means—

(a)where the offender is aged 18 or over, an officer of a local probation board [F16or an officer of a provider of probation services] , and

(b)where the offender is aged under 18, an officer of a local probation board [F17, an officer of a provider of probation services] , a social worker of a local authority F18. . . or a member of a youth offending team.

Textual Amendments

F18Words in s. 158(2)(b) repealed (1.4.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), ss. 64, 67, Sch. 5 Pt. 4; S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)(h)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 158(1) applied (with modifications) (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 257(1)-(3), 383 (with ss. 271(1), 385); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I14S. 158 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 158 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 158(1)(b) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 158 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Disclosure of pre-sentence reports etcE+W

159Disclosure of pre-sentence reportsE+W

(1)This section applies where the court obtains a pre-sentence report, other than a report given orally in open court.

(2)Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the court must give a copy of the report—

(a)to the offender or his counsel or solicitor,

(b)if the offender is aged under 18, to any parent or guardian of his who is present in court, and

(c)to the prosecutor, that is to say, the person having the conduct of the proceedings in respect of the offence.

(3)If the offender is aged under 18 and it appears to the court that the disclosure to the offender or to any parent or guardian of his of any information contained in the report would be likely to create a risk of significant harm to the offender, a complete copy of the report need not be given to the offender or, as the case may be, to that parent or guardian.

(4)If the prosecutor is not of a description prescribed by order made by the Secretary of State, a copy of the report need not be given to the prosecutor if the court considers that it would be inappropriate for him to be given it.

(5)No information obtained by virtue of subsection (2)(c) may be used or disclosed otherwise than for the purpose of—

(a)determining whether representations as to matters contained in the report need to be made to the court, or

(b)making such representations to the court.

(6)In relation to an offender aged under 18 for whom a local authority have parental responsibility and who—

(a)is in their care, or

(b)is provided with accommodation by them in the exercise of any social services functions,

references in this section to his parent or guardian are to be read as references to that authority.

(7)In this section and section 160—

  • “harm” has the same meaning as in section 31 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41);

  • “local authority” and “parental responsibility” have the same meanings as in that Act;

  • “social services functions”, in relation to a local authority, has the meaning given by section 1A of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6S. 159(1)-(3)(5) applied (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 257(4), 383 (with ss. 271(1), 385); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I15S. 159 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 159 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 159(4) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 159 in force at 4.4.2005 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

160Other reports of local probation boards [F19, providers of probation services] and members of youth offending teamsE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a report by an officer of a local probation board [F20, an officer of a provider of probation services] or a member of a youth offending team is made to any court (other than a youth court) with a view to assisting the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with any person in respect of an offence, and

(b)the report is not a pre-sentence report.

(2)Subject to subsection (3), the court must give a copy of the report—

(a)to the offender or his counsel or solicitor, and

(b)if the offender is aged under 18, to any parent or guardian of his who is present in court.

(3)If the offender is aged under 18 and it appears to the court that the disclosure to the offender or to any parent or guardian of his of any information contained in the report would be likely to create a risk of significant harm to the offender, a complete copy of the report need not be given to the offender, or as the case may be, to that parent or guardian.

(4)In relation to an offender aged under 18 for whom a local authority have parental responsibility and who—

(a)is in their care, or

(b)is provided with accommodation by them in the exercise of any social services functions,

references in this section to his parent or guardian are to be read as references to that authority.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I16S. 160 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Valid from 30/11/2009

Pre-sentence drug testingE+W

161Pre-sentence drug testingE+W

(1)Where a person F21. . . is convicted of an offence and the court is considering passing a community sentence or a suspended sentence, it may make an order under subsection (2) for the purpose of ascertaining whether the offender has any specified Class A drug in his body.

(2)The order requires the offender to provide, in accordance with the order, samples of any description specified in the order.

(3)Where the offender has not attained the age of 17, the order must provide for the samples to be provided in the presence of an appropriate adult.

(4)If it is proved to the satisfaction of the court that the offender has, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the order it may impose on him a fine of an amount not exceeding level 4.

(5)In subsection (4) “level 4” means the amount which, in relation to a fine for a summary offence, is level 4 on the standard scale.

(6)The court may not make an order under subsection (2) unless it has been notified by the Secretary of State that the power to make such orders is exercisable by the court and the notice has not been withdrawn.

(7)F22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8)In this section—

  • “appropriate adult”, in relation to a person under the age of 17, means—

    (a)

    his parent or guardian or, if he is in the care of a local authority or voluntary organisation, a person representing that authority or organisation,

    (b)

    a social worker of a local authority F23. . . , or

    (c)

    if no person falling within paragraph (a) or (b) is available, any responsible person aged 18 or over who is not a police officer or a person employed by the police;

  • “specified Class A drug” has the same meaning as in Part 3 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43).

Textual Amendments

F21Words in s. 161(1) repealed (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 149, 153, Sch. 4 para. 78(a), {Sch. 28 para. Pt. 1} (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(p)(xiii)(u)(xxxi)

F22S. 161(7) repealed (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 149, 153, Sch. 4 para. 78(b), {Sch. 28 para. Pt. 1} (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2(p)(xiii)(u)(xxxi)

F23Words in s. 161(8)(b) repealed (1.4.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), ss. 64, 67, Sch. 5 Pt. 4; S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)(h)

[F24SurchargesE+W

Textual Amendments

F24Ss. 161A, 161B and cross-heading inserted (1.4.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 14(1), 59, 60 (with Sch. 12 para. 7); S.I. 2007/602, art. 2(a)

161ACourt’s duty to order payment of surchargeE+W

(1)A court when dealing with a person for one or more offences must also (subject to subsections (2) and (3)) order him to pay a surcharge.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in such cases as may be prescribed by an order made by the Secretary of State.

(3)Where a court dealing with an offender considers—

(a)that it would be appropriate to make a compensation order, but

(b)that he has insufficient means to pay both the surcharge and appropriate compensation,

the court must reduce the surcharge accordingly (if necessary to nil).

(4)For the purposes of this section a court does not “deal with” a person if it—

(a)discharges him absolutely, or

(b)makes an order under the Mental Health Act 1983 in respect of him.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8S. 161A(1) excluded (1.4.2007) by The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Surcharge)(No 2) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1079), {art. 3}

161BAmount of surchargeE+W

(1)The surcharge payable under section 161A is such amount as the Secretary of State may specify by order.

(2)An order under this section may provide for the amount to depend on—

(a)the offence or offences committed,

(b)how the offender is otherwise dealt with (including, where the offender is fined, the amount of the fine),

(c)the age of the offender.

This is not to be read as limiting section 330(3) (power to make different provision for different purposes etc).]

FinesE+W

162Powers to order statement as to offender’s financial circumstancesE+W

(1)Where an individual has been convicted of an offence, the court may, before sentencing him, make a financial circumstances order with respect to him.

(2)Where a magistrates' court has been notified in accordance with section 12(4) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) that an individual desires to plead guilty without appearing before the court, the court may make a financial circumstances order with respect to him.

(3)In this section “a financial circumstances order” means, in relation to any individual, an order requiring him to give to the court, within such period as may be specified in the order, such a statement of his financial circumstances as the court may require.

(4)An individual who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with a financial circumstances order is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5)If an individual, in furnishing any statement in pursuance of a financial circumstances order—

(a)makes a statement which he knows to be false in a material particular,

(b)recklessly furnishes a statement which is false in a material particular, or

(c)knowingly fails to disclose any material fact,

he is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(6)Proceedings in respect of an offence under subsection (5) may, notwithstanding anything in section 127(1) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) (limitation of time), be commenced at any time within two years from the date of the commission of the offence or within six months from its first discovery by the prosecutor, whichever period expires the earlier.

Commencement Information

I17S. 162 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

163General power of Crown Court to fine offender convicted on indictmentE+W

Where a person is convicted on indictment of any offence, other than an offence for which the sentence is fixed by law or falls to be imposed under section 110(2) or 111(2) of the Sentencing Act or under [F25section 225(2) or 226(2)] of this Act, the court, if not precluded from sentencing an offender by its exercise of some other power, may impose a fine instead of or in addition to dealing with him in any other way in which the court has power to deal with him, subject however to any enactment requiring the offender to be dealt with in a particular way.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I18S. 163 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

164Fixing of finesE+W

(1)Before fixing the amount of any fine to be imposed on an offender who is an individual, a court must inquire into his financial circumstances.

(2)The amount of any fine fixed by a court must be such as, in the opinion of the court, reflects the seriousness of the offence.

(3)In fixing the amount of any fine to be imposed on an offender (whether an individual or other person), a court must take into account the circumstances of the case including, among other things, the financial circumstances of the offender so far as they are known, or appear, to the court.

(4)Subsection (3) applies whether taking into account the financial circumstances of the offender has the effect of increasing or reducing the amount of the fine.

[F26(4A)In applying subsection (3), a court must not reduce the amount of a fine on account of any surcharge it orders the offender to pay under section 161A, except to the extent that he has insufficient means to pay both.]

(5)Where—

(a)an offender has been convicted in his absence in pursuance of section 11 or 12 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) (non-appearance of accused), or

(b)an offender—

(i)has failed to furnish a statement of his financial circumstances in response to a request which is an official request for the purposes of section 20A of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53) (offence of making false statement as to financial circumstances),

(ii)has failed to comply with an order under section 162(1), or

(iii)has otherwise failed to co-operate with the court in its inquiry into his financial circumstances,

and the court considers that it has insufficient information to make a proper determination of the financial circumstances of the offender, it may make such determination as it thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I19S. 164 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

165Remission of finesE+W

(1)This section applies where a court has, in fixing the amount of a fine, determined the offender’s financial circumstances under section 164(5).

(2)If, on subsequently inquiring into the offender’s financial circumstances, the court is satisfied that had it had the results of that inquiry when sentencing the offender it would—

(a)have fixed a smaller amount, or

(b)not have fined him,

it may remit the whole or part of the fine.

(3)Where under this section the court remits the whole or part of a fine after a term of imprisonment has been fixed under section 139 of the Sentencing Act (powers of Crown Court in relation to fines) or section 82(5) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (magistrates' powers in relation to default) it must reduce the term by the corresponding proportion.

(4)In calculating any reduction required by subsection (3), any fraction of a day is to be ignored.

Commencement Information

I20S. 165 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Savings for power to mitigate etcE+W

166Savings for powers to mitigate sentences and deal appropriately with mentally disordered offendersE+W

(1)Nothing in—

(a)section 148 (imposing community sentences),

(b)section 152, 153 or 157 (imposing custodial sentences),

(c)section 156 (pre-sentence reports and other requirements),

(d)section 164 (fixing of fines),

prevents a court from mitigating an offender’s sentence by taking into account any such matters as, in the opinion of the court, are relevant in mitigation of sentence.

(2)Section 152(2) does not prevent a court, after taking into account such matters, from passing a community sentence even though it is of the opinion that the offence, or the combination of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, was so serious that a community sentence could not normally be justified for the offence.

(3)Nothing in the sections mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (d) prevents a court—

(a)from mitigating any penalty included in an offender’s sentence by taking into account any other penalty included in that sentence, and

(b)in the case of an offender who is convicted of one or more other offences, from mitigating his sentence by applying any rule of law as to the totality of sentences.

(4)Subsections (2) and (3) are without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1).

(5)Nothing in the sections mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (d) is to be taken—

(a)as requiring a court to pass a custodial sentence, or any particular custodial sentence, on a mentally disordered offender, or

(b)as restricting any power (whether under the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) or otherwise) which enables a court to deal with such an offender in the manner it considers to be most appropriate in all the circumstances.

(6)In subsection (5) “mentally disordered”, in relation to a person, means suffering from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Commencement Information

I21S. 166 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Sentencing and allocation guidelinesE+W

167The Sentencing Guidelines CouncilE+W

(1)There shall be a Sentencing Guidelines Council (in this Chapter referred to as the Council) consisting of—

(a)the Lord Chief Justice, who is to be chairman of the Council,

(b)seven members (in this section and section 168 referred to as “judicial members”) appointed by the [F27Lord Chief Justice] after consultation with F28. . . the [F29Lord Chancellor], and

(c)four members (in this section and section 168 referred to as “non-judicial members”) appointed by the [F30Lord Chancellor] after consultation with the [F31Secretary of State] and the Lord Chief Justice.

(2)A person is eligible to be appointed as a judicial member if he is—

(a)a Lord Justice of Appeal,

(b)a judge of the High Court,

(c)a Circuit judge,

(d)a District Judge (Magistrates' Courts), or

(e)a lay justice.

(3)The judicial members must include a Circuit judge, a District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) and a lay justice.

(4)A person is eligible for appointment as a non-judicial member if he appears to the [F32Lord Chancellor] to have experience in one or more of the following areas—

(a)policing,

(b)criminal prosecution,

(c)criminal defence, and

(d)the promotion of the welfare of victims of crime.

(5)The persons eligible for appointment as a non-judicial member by virtue of experience of criminal prosecution include the Director of Public Prosecutions.

(6)The non-judicial members must include at least one person appearing to the [F32Lord Chancellor] to have experience in each area.

(7)The Lord Chief Justice must appoint one of the judicial members or non-judicial members to be deputy chairman of the Council.

(8)In relation to any meeting of the Council from which the Lord Chief Justice is to be absent, he may nominate any person eligible for appointment as a judicial member to act as a member on his behalf at the meeting.

(9)The [F32Lord Chancellor] may appoint a person appearing to him to have experience of sentencing policy and the administration of sentences to attend and speak at any meeting of the Council.

[F33(10)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]

(10)In this section and section 168 “lay justice” means a justice of the peace who is not a District Judge (Magistrates' Courts).

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9S. 167(1)(b)(c): functions transferred to the Lord Chancellor (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 4(1)(c) (with art. 7)

C10S. 167(1)(c): function transferred to the Secretary of State (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 5(1) (with art. 7)

C11S. 167(9): functions transferred to the Lord Chancellor (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 4(1)(c) (with art. 7)

168Sentencing Guidelines Council: supplementary provisionsE+W

(1)In relation to the Council, the Lord Chancellor may by order make provision—

(a)as to the term of office, resignation and re-appointment of judicial members and non-judicial members,

[F34(b)enabling the Lord Chancellor to remove a judicial member from office, with the concurrence of the Lord Chief Justice, on the grounds of incapacity or misbehaviour, and

(c)enabling the [F35Lord Chancellor] to remove a non-judicial member from office on the grounds of incapacity or misbehaviour.]

[F36(1A)The following provisions apply to an order under subsection (1)—

(a)if the order includes provision falling within subsection (1)(a), the Lord Chancellor must consult the Lord Chief Justice about that provision before making the order;

(b)if the order includes provision falling within subsection (1)(b), the order may not be made unless the Lord Chief Justice agrees to the inclusion of that provision.

(1B)The Lord Chief Justice may, with the concurrence of the Lord Chancellor, by order make provision as to the proceedings of the Council.]

(2)F37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)The validity of anything done by the Council is not affected by any vacancy among its members, by any defect in the appointment of a member or by any failure to comply with section 167(3), (6) or (7).

(4)The Lord Chancellor may pay—

(a)to any judicial member who is appointed by virtue of being a lay justice, such remuneration or expenses as he may determine, and

(b)to any other judicial member or the Lord Chief Justice, such expenses as he may determine.

(5)The [F35Lord Chancellor] may pay to any non-judicial member such remuneration or expenses as he may determine.

[F38(6)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under subsection (1B).]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12S. 168(1)(c): functions transferred to the Lord Chancellor (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 4(1)(c) (with art. 7)

C13S. 168(5): functions transferred to the Lord Chancellor (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 4(1)(c) (with art. 7)

Commencement Information

I22S. 168 wholly in force at 27.2.2004; s. 168(1)(2) in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(1); s. 168(3)-(5) in force at 27.2.2004 by S.I. 2004/81, art. 5

169The Sentencing Advisory PanelE+W

(1)There shall continue to be a Sentencing Advisory Panel (in this Chapter referred to as “the Panel”) constituted by the Lord Chancellor after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Lord Chief Justice.

(2)The Lord Chancellor must, after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Lord Chief Justice, appoint one of the members of the Panel to be its chairman.

(3)The Lord Chancellor may pay to any member of the Panel such remuneration or expenses as he may determine.

170Guidelines relating to sentencing and allocationE+W

(1)In this Chapter—

(a)“sentencing guidelines” means guidelines relating to the sentencing of offenders, which may be general in nature or limited to a particular category of offence or offender, and

(b)“allocation guidelines” means guidelines relating to decisions by a magistrates' court under section 19 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) as to whether an offence is more suitable for summary trial or trial on indictment.

(2)The Secretary of State may at any time propose to the Council—

(a)that sentencing guidelines be framed or revised by the Council—

(i)in respect of offences or offenders of a particular category, or

(ii)in respect of a particular matter affecting sentencing, or

(b)that allocation guidelines be framed or revised by the Council.

(3)The Council may from time to time consider whether to frame sentencing guidelines or allocation guidelines and, if it receives—

(a)a proposal under section 171(2) from the Panel, or

(b)a proposal under subsection (2) from the Secretary of State,

must consider whether to do so.

(4)Where sentencing guidelines or allocation guidelines have been issued by the Council as definitive guidelines, the Council must from time to time (and, in particular, if it receives a proposal under section 171(2) from the Panel or under subsection (2) from the Secretary of State) consider whether to revise them.

(5)Where the Council decides to frame or revise sentencing guidelines, the matters to which the Council must have regard include—

(a)the need to promote consistency in sentencing,

(b)the sentences imposed by courts in England and Wales for offences to which the guidelines relate,

(c)the cost of different sentences and their relative effectiveness in preventing re-offending,

(d)the need to promote public confidence in the criminal justice system, and

(e)the views communicated to the Council, in accordance with section 171(3)(b), by the Panel.

(6)Where the Council decides to frame or revise allocation guidelines, the matters to which the Council must have regard include—

(a)the need to promote consistency in decisions under section 19 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43), and

(b)the views communicated to the Council, in accordance with section 171(3)(b), by the Panel.

(7)Sentencing guidelines in respect of an offence or category of offences must include criteria for determining the seriousness of the offence or offences, including (where appropriate) criteria for determining the weight to be given to any previous convictions of offenders.

(8)Where the Council has prepared or revised any sentencing guidelines or allocation guidelines, it must—

(a)publish them as draft guidelines, and

(b)consult about the draft guidelines—

(i)the Secretary of State,

(ii)such persons as the Lord Chancellor F39. . . may direct, and

(iii)such other persons as the Council considers appropriate.

(9)The Council may, after making any amendment of the draft guidelines which it considers appropriate, issue the guidelines as definitive guidelines.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14S. 170(8)(b)(ii): functions transferred to the Lord Chancellor (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 4(1)(c) (with art. 7)

171Functions of Sentencing Advisory Panel in relation to guidelinesE+W

(1)Where the Council decides to frame or revise any sentencing guidelines or allocation guidelines, otherwise than in response to a proposal from the Panel under subsection (2), the Council must notify the Panel.

(2)The Panel may at any time propose to the Council—

(a)that sentencing guidelines be framed or revised by the Council—

(i)in respect of offences or offenders of a particular category, or

(ii)in respect of a particular matter affecting sentencing, or

(b)that allocation guidelines be framed or revised by the Council.

(3)Where the Panel receives a notification under subsection (1) or makes a proposal under subsection (2), the Panel must—

(a)obtain and consider the views on the matters in issue of such persons or bodies as may be determined, after consultation with F40. . . the Lord Chancellor, by the Council, and

(b)formulate its own views on those matters and communicate them to the Council.

(4)Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) does not apply where the Council notifies the Panel of the Council’s view that the urgency of the case makes it impracticable for the Panel to comply with that paragraph.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15S. 171(3)(a): functions transferred to the Lord Chancellor (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 4(1)(c) (with art. 7)

172Duty of court to have regard to sentencing guidelinesE+W

(1)Every court must—

(a)in sentencing an offender, have regard to any guidelines which are relevant to the offender’s case, and

(b)in exercising any other function relating to the sentencing of offenders, have regard to any guidelines which are relevant to the exercise of the function.

(2)In subsection (1) “guidelines” means sentencing guidelines issued by the Council under section 170(9) as definitive guidelines, as revised by subsequent guidelines so issued.

173Annual report by CouncilE+W

(1)The Council must as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year make to the [F41Lord Chancellor] a report on the exercise of the Council’s functions during the year.

(2)If section 167 comes into force after the beginning of a financial year, the first report may relate to a period beginning with the day on which that section comes into force and ending with the end of the next financial year.

(3)The [F41Lord Chancellor] must lay a copy of the report before each House of Parliament.

(4)The Council must publish the report once the copy has been so laid.

(5)In this section—

  • “financial year” means a period of 12 months ending with 31st March;

  • F42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16S. 173: functions transferred to the Lord Chancellor (22.8.2007) by The Secretary of State for Justice Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/2128), art. 4(1)(c) (with art. 7)

Duty of court to explain sentenceE+W

174Duty to give reasons for, and explain effect of, sentenceE+W

(1)Subject to subsections (3) and (4), any court passing sentence on an offender—

(a)must state in open court, in ordinary language and in general terms, its reasons for deciding on the sentence passed, and

(b)must explain to the offender in ordinary language—

(i)the effect of the sentence,

(ii)where the offender is required to comply with any order of the court forming part of the sentence, the effects of non-compliance with the order,

(iii)any power of the court, on the application of the offender or any other person, to vary or review any order of the court forming part of the sentence, and

(iv)where the sentence consists of or includes a fine, the effects of failure to pay the fine.

(2)In complying with subsection (1)(a), the court must—

(a)where guidelines indicate that a sentence of a particular kind, or within a particular range, would normally be appropriate for the offence and the sentence is of a different kind, or is outside that range, state the court’s reasons for deciding on a sentence of a different kind or outside that range,

(b)where the sentence is a custodial sentence and the duty in subsection (2) of section 152 is not excluded by subsection (1)(a) or (b) or (3) of that section, state that it is of the opinion referred to in section 152(2) and why it is of that opinion,

(c)where the sentence is a community sentence and the case does not fall within section 151(2), state that it is of the opinion that section 148(1) applies and why it is of that opinion,

(d)where as a result of taking into account any matter referred to in section 144(1), the court imposes a punishment on the offender which is less severe than the punishment it would otherwise have imposed, state that fact, and

(e)in any case, mention any aggravating or mitigating factors which the court has regarded as being of particular importance.

(3)Subsection (1)(a) does not apply—

(a)to an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law (provision relating to sentencing for such an offence being made by section 270), or

(b)to an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) [F43, under subsection (2) of section 110 or 111 of the Sentencing Act or under section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006](required custodial sentences).

(4)The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)prescribe cases in which subsection (1)(a) or (b) does not apply, and

(b)prescribe cases in which the statement referred to in subsection (1)(a) or the explanation referred to in subsection (1)(b) may be made in the absence of the offender, or may be provided in written form.

(5)Where a magistrates' court passes a custodial sentence, it must cause any reason stated by virtue of subsection (2)(b) to be specified in the warrant of commitment and entered on the register.

(6)In this section—

  • “guidelines” has the same meaning as in section 172;

  • “the register” has the meaning given by section 163 of the Sentencing Act.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I23S. 174 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 174 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 174(4) in force at 5.4.2004 by S.I. 2004/829 {art. 2(1)(2)} (subject to art. 2(3)-(6)); s. 174 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Publication of information by Secretary of StateE+W

175Duty to publish information about sentencingE+W

In section 95 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53) (information for financial and other purposes) in subsection (1) before the “or” at the end of paragraph (a) there is inserted—

“(aa)enabling such persons to become aware of the relative effectiveness of different sentences—

(i)in preventing re-offending, and

(ii)in promoting public confidence in the criminal justice system;”.

Commencement Information

I24S. 175 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 7 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Interpretation of ChapterE+W

176Interpretation of Chapter 1E+W

In this Chapter—

  • “allocation guidelines” has the meaning given by section 170(1)(b);

  • “the Council” means the Sentencing Guidelines Council;

  • “the Panel” means the Sentencing Advisory Panel;

  • “sentence” and “sentencing” are to be read in accordance with section 142(3);

  • “sentencing guidelines” has the meaning given by section 170(1)(a);

  • “youth community order” has the meaning given by section 147(2).

Commencement Information

I25S. 176 wholly in force at 5.4.2004, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2) (subject to art. 2(3)-(6))

Chapter 2U.K.Community orders: offenders aged 16 or over

177Community ordersE+W

(1)Where a person aged 16 or over is convicted of an offence, the court by or before which he is convicted may make an order (in this Part referred to as a “community order”) imposing on him any one or more of the following requirements—

(a)an unpaid work requirement (as defined by section 199),

(b)an activity requirement (as defined by section 201),

(c)a programme requirement (as defined by section 202),

(d)a prohibited activity requirement (as defined by section 203),

(e)a curfew requirement (as defined by section 204),

(f)an exclusion requirement (as defined by section 205),

(g)a residence requirement (as defined by section 206),

(h)a mental health treatment requirement (as defined by section 207),

(i)a drug rehabilitation requirement (as defined by section 209),

(j)an alcohol treatment requirement (as defined by section 212),

(k)a supervision requirement (as defined by section 213), and

(l)in a case where the offender is aged under 25, an attendance centre requirement (as defined by section 214).

(2)Subsection (1) has effect subject to sections 150 and 218 and to the following provisions of Chapter 4 relating to particular requirements—

(a)section 199(3) (unpaid work requirement),

(b)section 201(3) and (4) (activity requirement),

(c)section 202(4) and (5) (programme requirement),

(d)section 203(2) (prohibited activity requirement),

(e)section 207(3) (mental health treatment requirement),

(f)section 209(2) (drug rehabilitation requirement), and

(g)section 212(2) and (3) (alcohol treatment requirement).

(3)Where the court makes a community order imposing a curfew requirement or an exclusion requirement, the court must also impose an electronic monitoring requirement (as defined by section 215) unless—

(a)it is prevented from doing so by section 215(2) or 218(4), or

(b)in the particular circumstances of the case, it considers it inappropriate to do so.

(4)Where the court makes a community order imposing an unpaid work requirement, an activity requirement, a programme requirement, a prohibited activity requirement, a residence requirement, a mental health treatment requirement, a drug rehabilitation requirement, an alcohol treatment requirement, a supervision requirement or an attendance centre requirement, the court may also impose an electronic monitoring requirement unless prevented from doing so by section 215(2) or 218(4).

(5)A community order must specify a date, not more than three years after the date of the order, by which all the requirements in it must have been complied with; and a community order which imposes two or more different requirements falling within subsection (1) may also specify an earlier date or dates in relation to compliance with any one or more of them.

(6)Before making a community order imposing two or more different requirements falling within subsection (1), the court must consider whether, in the circumstances of the case, the requirements are compatible with each other.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19S. 177(3)-(6) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 178(3)(4), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C20S. 177(5)(6) extended (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(4)-(6), 383 (subject to s. 183) (as amended (11.12.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 16 para. 33(3) (with Sch. 16 para. 35); S.I. 2013/2981, art. 2(e)); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I26S. 177 wholly in force at 4.4.2009; s. 177 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 177 in force for certain purposes at 4.4.2005 and otherwise in force at 4.4.2009 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 8 (subject to Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2007/391, art. 2)

178Power to provide for court review of community ordersE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)enable or require a court making a community order to provide for the community order to be reviewed periodically by that or another court,

(b)enable a court to amend a community order so as to include or remove a provision for review by a court, and

(c)make provision as to the timing and conduct of reviews and as to the powers of the court on a review.

(2)An order under this section may, in particular, make provision in relation to community orders corresponding to any provision made by sections 191 and 192 in relation to suspended sentence orders.

(3)An order under this section may repeal or amend any provision of this Part.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21S. 178 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 178(3)(4), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

179Breach, revocation or amendment of community orderE+W

Schedule 8 (which relates to failures to comply with the requirements of community orders and to the revocation or amendment of such orders) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I27S. 179 wholly in force at 4.4.2009; s. 179 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 179 in force for certain purposes at 4.4.2005 and otherwise in force at 4.4.2009 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 8 (subject to Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2007/391, art. 2)

180Transfer of community orders to Scotland or Northern IrelandU.K.

Schedule 9 (transfer of community orders to Scotland or Northern Ireland) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I28S. 180 wholly in force at 4.4.2009; s. 180 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 180 in force for certain purposes at 4.4.2005 and otherwise in force at 4.4.2009 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 8 (subject to Sch. 2) (as amended by S.I. 2007/391, art. 2)

Chapter 3E+WPrison sentences of less than 12 months

Prison sentences of less than twelve monthsE+W

181Prison sentences of less than 12 monthsE+W

(1)Any power of a court to impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than 12 months on an offender may be exercised only in accordance with the following provisions of this section unless the court makes an intermittent custody order (as defined by section 183).

(2)The term of the sentence—

(a)must be expressed in weeks,

(b)must be at least 28 weeks,

(c)must not be more than 51 weeks in respect of any one offence, and

(d)must not exceed the maximum term permitted for the offence.

(3)The court, when passing sentence, must—

(a)specify a period (in this Chapter referred to as “the custodial period”) at the end of which the offender is to be released on a licence, and

(b)by order require the licence to be granted subject to conditions requiring the offender’s compliance during the remainder of the term (in this Chapter referred to as “the licence period”) or any part of it with one or more requirements falling within section 182(1) and specified in the order.

(4)In this Part “custody plus order” means an order under subsection (3)(b).

(5)The custodial period—

(a)must be at least 2 weeks, and

(b)in respect of any one offence, must not be more than 13 weeks.

(6)In determining the term of the sentence and the length of the custodial period, the court must ensure that the licence period is at least 26 weeks in length.

(7)Where a court imposes two or more terms of imprisonment in accordance with this section to be served consecutively—

(a)the aggregate length of the terms of imprisonment must not be more than 65 weeks, and

(b)the aggregate length of the custodial periods must not be more than 26 weeks.

[F44(7A)For the purposes of subsection (7)(a) the aggregate length of the terms of imprisonment is not to be regarded as being more than 65 weeks if the aggregate of all the custodial periods and the longest of the licence periods in relation to those terms is not more than 65 weeks.]

(8)A custody plus order which specifies two or more requirements may, in relation to any requirement, refer to compliance within such part of the licence period as is specified in the order.

(9)Subsection (3)(b) does not apply where the sentence is a suspended sentence.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22S. 181 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 196(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C23S. 181(3)(b) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 197(2), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

182Licence conditionsE+W

(1)The requirements falling within this subsection are—

(a)an unpaid work requirement (as defined by section 199),

(b)an activity requirement (as defined by section 201),

(c)a programme requirement (as defined by section 202),

(d)a prohibited activity requirement (as defined by section 203),

(e)a curfew requirement (as defined by section 204),

(f)an exclusion requirement (as defined by section 205),

(g)a supervision requirement (as defined by section 213), and

(h)in a case where the offender is aged under 25, an attendance centre requirement (as defined by section 214).

(2)The power under section 181(3)(b) to determine the conditions of the licence has effect subject to section 218 and to the following provisions of Chapter 4 relating to particular requirements—

(a)section 199(3) (unpaid work requirement),

(b)section 201(3) and (4) (activity requirement),

(c)section 202(4) and (5) (programme requirement), and

(d)section 203(2) (prohibited activity requirement).

(3)Where the court makes a custody plus order requiring a licence to contain a curfew requirement or an exclusion requirement, the court must also require the licence to contain an electronic monitoring requirement (as defined by section 215) unless—

(a)the court is prevented from doing so by section 215(2) or 218(4), or

(b)in the particular circumstances of the case, it considers it inappropriate to do so.

(4)Where the court makes a custody plus order requiring a licence to contain an unpaid work requirement, an activity requirement, a programme requirement, a prohibited activity requirement, a supervision requirement or an attendance centre requirement, the court may also require the licence to contain an electronic monitoring requirement unless the court is prevented from doing so by section 215(2) or 218(4).

(5)Before making a custody plus order requiring a licence to contain two or more different requirements falling within subsection (1), the court must consider whether, in the circumstances of the case, the requirements are compatible with each other.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24S. 182 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 196(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I29S. 182 partly in force; s. 182 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 182(1)(3)-(5) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.

Intermittent custodyE+W

183Intermittent custodyE+W

(1)A court may, when passing a sentence of imprisonment for a term complying with subsection (4)—

(a)specify the number of days that the offender must serve in prison under the sentence before being released on licence for the remainder of the term, and

(b)by order—

(i)specify periods during which the offender is to be released temporarily on licence before he has served that number of days in prison, and

(ii)require any licence to be granted subject to conditions requiring the offender’s compliance during the licence periods with one or more requirements falling within section 182(1) and specified in the order.

(2)In this Part “intermittent custody order” means an order under subsection (1)(b).

(3)In this Chapter—

  • “licence period”, in relation to a term of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates, means any period during which the offender is released on licence by virtue of subsection (1)(a) or (b)(i);

  • “the number of custodial days”, in relation to a term of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates, means the number of days specified under subsection (1)(a).

(4)The term of the sentence—

(a)must be expressed in weeks,

(b)must be at least 28 weeks,

(c)must not be more than 51 weeks in respect of any one offence, and

(d)must not exceed the maximum term permitted for the offence.

(5)The number of custodial days—

(a)must be at least 14, and

(b)in respect of any one offence, must not be more than 90.

(6)A court may not exercise its powers under subsection (1) unless the offender has expressed his willingness to serve the custodial part of the proposed sentence intermittently, during the parts of the sentence that are not to be licence periods.

(7)Where a court exercises its powers under subsection (1) in respect of two or more terms of imprisonment that are to be served consecutively—

(a)the aggregate length of the terms of imprisonment must not be more than 65 weeks, and

(b)the aggregate of the numbers of custodial days must not be more than 180.

(8)The Secretary of State may by order require a court, in specifying licence periods under subsection (1)(b)(i), to specify only—

(a)periods of a prescribed duration,

(b)periods beginning or ending at prescribed times, or

(c)periods including, or not including, specified parts of the week.

(9)An intermittent custody order which specifies two or more requirements may, in relation to any requirement, refer to compliance within such licence period or periods, or part of a licence period, as is specified in the order.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I30S. 183 partly in force; s. 183(8) in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(1); s. 183(1)-(7)(9) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.

184Restrictions on power to make intermittent custody orderE+W

(1)A court may not make an intermittent custody order unless it has been notified by the Secretary of State that arrangements for implementing such orders are available in the area proposed to be specified in the intermittent custody order and the notice has not been withdrawn.

(2)The court may not make an intermittent custody order in respect of any offender unless—

(a)it has consulted an officer of a local probation board [F45or an officer of a provider of probation services],

(b)it has received from the Secretary of State notification that suitable prison accommodation is available for the offender during the custodial periods, and

(c)it appears to the court that the offender will have suitable accommodation available to him during the licence periods.

(3)In this section “custodial period”, in relation to a sentence to which an intermittent custody order relates, means any part of the sentence that is not a licence period.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I31S. 184 partly in force; s. 184 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 184 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.

185Intermittent custody: licence conditionsE+W

(1)Section 183(1)(b) has effect subject to section 218 and to the following provisions of Chapter 4 limiting the power to require the licence to contain particular requirements—

(a)section 199(3) (unpaid work requirement),

(b)section 201(3) and (4) (activity requirement),

(c)section 202(4) and (5) (programme requirement), and

(d)section 203(2) (prohibited activity requirement).

(2)Subsections (3) to (5) of section 182 have effect in relation to an intermittent custody order as they have effect in relation to a custody plus order.

Commencement Information

I32S. 185 partly in force; s. 185 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 185 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.

186Further provisions relating to intermittent custodyE+W

(1)Section 21 of the 1952 Act (expenses of conveyance to prison) does not apply in relation to the conveyance to prison at the end of any licence period of an offender to whom an intermittent custody order relates.

(2)The Secretary of State may pay to any offender to whom an intermittent custody order relates the whole or part of any expenses incurred by the offender in travelling to and from prison during licence periods.

(3)In section 49 of the 1952 Act (persons unlawfully at large) after subsection (4) there is inserted—

“(4A)For the purposes of this section a person shall also be deemed to be unlawfully at large if, having been temporarily released in pursuance of an intermittent custody order made under section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, he remains at large at a time when, by reason of the expiry of the period for which he was temporarily released, he is liable to be detained in pursuance of his sentence.”

(4)In section 23 of the Criminal Justice Act 1961 (c. 39) (prison rules), in subsection (3) for “The days” there is substituted “ Subject to subsection (3A), the days ” and after subsection (3) there is inserted—

“(3A)In relation to a prisoner to whom an intermittent custody order under section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 relates, the only days to which subsection (3) applies are Christmas Day, Good Friday and any day which under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 is a bank holiday in England and Wales.”

(5)In section 1 of the Prisoners (Return to Custody) Act 1995 (c. 16) (remaining at large after temporary release) after subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A)A person who has been temporarily released in pursuance of an intermittent custody order made under section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 is guilty of an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he remains unlawfully at large at any time after becoming so at large by virtue of the expiry of the period for which he was temporarily released.”

(6)In this section “the 1952 Act” means the Prison Act 1952 (c. 52).

Commencement Information

I33S. 186 partly in force; s. 186 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 186 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.

Further provision about custody plus orders and intermittent custody ordersE+W

187Revocation or amendment of orderE+W

Schedule 10 (which contains provisions relating to the revocation or amendment of custody plus orders and the amendment of intermittent custody orders) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I34S. 187 partly in force; s. 187 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 187 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.

188Transfer of custody plus orders and intermittent custody orders to Scotland or Northern IrelandU.K.

Schedule 11 (transfer of custody plus orders and intermittent custody orders to Scotland or Northern Ireland) shall have effect.

Suspended sentencesE+W

189Suspended sentences of imprisonmentE+W

(1)A court which passes a sentence of imprisonment for a term of at least 28 weeks but not more than 51 weeks in accordance with section 181 may—

(a)order the offender to comply during a period specified for the purposes of this paragraph in the order (in this Chapter referred to as “the supervision period”) with one or more requirements falling within section 190(1) and specified in the order, and

(b)order that the sentence of imprisonment is not to take effect unless either—

(i)during the supervision period the offender fails to comply with a requirement imposed under paragraph (a), or

(ii)during a period specified in the order for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (in this Chapter referred to as “the operational period”) the offender commits in the United Kingdom another offence (whether or not punishable with imprisonment),

and (in either case) a court having power to do so subsequently orders under paragraph 8 of Schedule 12 that the original sentence is to take effect.

(2)Where two or more sentences imposed on the same occasion are to be served consecutively, the power conferred by subsection (1) is not exercisable in relation to any of them unless the aggregate of the terms of the sentences does not exceed 65 weeks.

(3)The supervision period and the operational period must each be a period of not less than six months and not more than two years beginning with the date of the order.

(4)The supervision period must not end later than the operational period.

(5)A court which passes a suspended sentence on any person for an offence may not impose a community sentence in his case in respect of that offence or any other offence of which he is convicted by or before the court or for which he is dealt with by the court.

(6)Subject to any provision to the contrary contained in the Criminal Justice Act 1967 (c. 80), the Sentencing Act or any other enactment passed or instrument made under any enactment after 31st December 1967, a suspended sentence which has not taken effect under paragraph 8 of Schedule 12 is to be treated as a sentence of imprisonment for the purposes of all enactments and instruments made under enactments.

(7)In this Part—

(a)“suspended sentence order” means an order under subsection (1),

(b)“suspended sentence” means a sentence to which a suspended sentence order relates, and

(c)“community requirement”, in relation to a suspended sentence order, means a requirement imposed under subsection (1)(a).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26S. 189 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 196(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C27S. 189(1) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 200(2)(5), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I35S. 189 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 9 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

190Imposition of requirements by suspended sentence orderE+W

(1)The requirements falling within this subsection are—

(a)an unpaid work requirement (as defined by section 199),

(b)an activity requirement (as defined by section 201),

(c)a programme requirement (as defined by section 202),

(d)a prohibited activity requirement (as defined by section 203),

(e)a curfew requirement (as defined by section 204),

(f)an exclusion requirement (as defined by section 205),

(g)a residence requirement (as defined by section 206),

(h)a mental health treatment requirement (as defined by section 207),

(i)a drug rehabilitation requirement (as defined by section 209),

(j)an alcohol treatment requirement (as defined by section 212),

(k)a supervision requirement (as defined by section 213), and

(l)in a case where the offender is aged under 25, an attendance centre requirement (as defined by section 214).

(2)Section 189(1)(a) has effect subject to section 218 and to the following provisions of Chapter 4 relating to particular requirements—

(a)section 199(3) (unpaid work requirement),

(b)section 201(3) and (4) (activity requirement),

(c)section 202(4) and (5) (programme requirement),

(d)section 203(2) (prohibited activity requirement),

(e)section 207(3) (mental health treatment requirement),

(f)section 209(2) (drug rehabilitation requirement), and

(g)section 212(2) and (3) (alcohol treatment requirement).

(3)Where the court makes a suspended sentence order imposing a curfew requirement or an exclusion requirement, it must also impose an electronic monitoring requirement (as defined by section 215) unless—

(a)the court is prevented from doing so by section 215(2) or 218(4), or

(b)in the particular circumstances of the case, it considers it inappropriate to do so.

(4)Where the court makes a suspended sentence order imposing an unpaid work requirement, an activity requirement, a programme requirement, a prohibited activity requirement, a residence requirement, a mental health treatment requirement, a drug rehabilitation requirement, an alcohol treatment requirement, a supervision requirement or an attendance centre requirement, the court may also impose an electronic monitoring requirement unless the court is prevented from doing so by section 215(2) or 218(4).

(5)Before making a suspended sentence order imposing two or more different requirements falling within subsection (1), the court must consider whether, in the circumstances of the case, the requirements are compatible with each other.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28S. 190 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 196(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C29Ss. 190-192 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 201, 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I36S. 190 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 9 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

191Power to provide for review of suspended sentence orderE+W

(1)A suspended sentence order may—

(a)provide for the order to be reviewed periodically at specified intervals,

(b)provide for each review to be made, subject to section 192(4), at a hearing held for the purpose by the court responsible for the order (a “review hearing”),

(c)require the offender to attend each review hearing, and

(d)provide for the responsible officer to make to the court responsible for the order, before each review, a report on the offender’s progress in complying with the community requirements of the order.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in the case of an order imposing a drug rehabilitation requirement (provision for such a requirement to be subject to review being made by section 210).

(3)In this section references to the court responsible for a suspended sentence order are references—

(a)where a court is specified in the order in accordance with subsection (4), to that court;

(b)in any other case, to the court by which the order is made.

(4)Where the area specified in a suspended sentence order made by a magistrates' court is not the area for which the court acts, the court may, if it thinks fit, include in the order provision specifying for the purpose of subsection (3) a magistrates' court which acts for the area specified in the order.

(5)Where a suspended sentence order has been made on an appeal brought from the Crown Court or from the criminal division of the Court of Appeal, it is to be taken for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) to have been made by the Crown Court.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30Ss. 190-192 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 201, 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C31S. 191 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 203(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I37S. 191 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 9 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

192Periodic reviews of suspended sentence orderE+W

(1)At a review hearing (within the meaning of subsection (1) of section 191) the court may, after considering the responsible officer’s report referred to in that subsection, amend the community requirements of the suspended sentence order, or any provision of the order which relates to those requirements.

(2)The court—

(a)may not amend the community requirements of the order so as to impose a requirement of a different kind unless the offender expresses his willingness to comply with that requirement,

(b)may not amend a mental health treatment requirement, a drug rehabilitation requirement or an alcohol treatment requirement unless the offender expresses his willingness to comply with the requirement as amended,

(c)may amend the supervision period only if the period as amended complies with section 189(3) and (4),

(d)may not amend the operational period of the suspended sentence, and

(e)except with the consent of the offender, may not amend the order while an appeal against the order is pending.

(3)For the purposes of subsection (2)(a)—

(a)a community requirement falling within any paragraph of section 190(1) is of the same kind as any other community requirement falling within that paragraph, and

(b)an electronic monitoring requirement is a community requirement of the same kind as any requirement falling within section 190(1) to which it relates.

(4)If before a review hearing is held at any review the court, after considering the responsible officer’s report, is of the opinion that the offender’s progress in complying with the community requirements of the order is satisfactory, it may order that no review hearing is to be held at that review; and if before a review hearing is held at any review, or at a review hearing, the court, after considering that report, is of that opinion, it may amend the suspended sentence order so as to provide for each subsequent review to be held without a hearing.

(5)If at a review held without a hearing the court, after considering the responsible officer’s report, is of the opinion that the offender’s progress under the order is no longer satisfactory, the court may require the offender to attend a hearing of the court at a specified time and place.

(6)If at a review hearing the court is of the opinion that the offender has without reasonable excuse failed to comply with any of the community requirements of the order, the court may adjourn the hearing for the purpose of dealing with the case under paragraph 8 of Schedule 12.

(7)At a review hearing the court may amend the suspended sentence order so as to vary the intervals specified under section 191(1).

(8)In this section any reference to the court, in relation to a review without a hearing, is to be read—

(a)in the case of the Crown Court, as a reference to a judge of the court, and

(b)in the case of a magistrates' court, as a reference to a justice of the peace F46. . . .

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C32Ss. 190-192 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 201, 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I38S. 192 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 9 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

193Breach, revocation or amendment of suspended sentence order, and effect of further convictionE+W

Schedule 12 (which relates to the breach, revocation or amendment of the community requirements of suspended sentence orders, and to the effect of any further conviction) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I39S. 193 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 9 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

194Transfer of suspended sentence orders to Scotland or Northern IrelandU.K.

Schedule 13 (transfer of suspended sentence orders to Scotland or Northern Ireland) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I40S. 194 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 9 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Interpretation of ChapterE+W

195Interpretation of Chapter 3E+W

In this Chapter—

  • “custodial period”, in relation to a term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with section 181, has the meaning given by subsection (3)(a) of that section;

  • “licence period”—

    (a)

    in relation to a term of imprisonment imposed in accordance with section 181, has the meaning given by subsection (3)(b) of that section, and

    (b)

    in relation to a term of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates, has the meaning given by section 183(3);

  • “the number of custodial days”, in relation to a term of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates, has the meaning given by section 183(3);

  • “operational period” and “supervision period”, in relation to a suspended sentence, are to be read in accordance with section 189(1);

  • “sentence of imprisonment” does not include a committal for contempt of court or any kindred offence.

Commencement Information

I41S. 195 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 195 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 195 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 195 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 10 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Chapter 4E+WFurther provisions about orders under Chapters 2 and 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33Pt. 12 Ch. 4 applied (with modifications) (8.12.2008) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41), Sch. A1 paras. 1-3 (as inserted by the Children and Adoption Act 2006 (c. 20), ss. 4(2), 17, Sch. 1); S.I. 2008/2870, art. 2(2)(c)

C34Pt. 12 Ch. 4 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 178(3)(4), 196(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Pt. 12 Ch. 4 extended (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(4)-(6), 383 (subject to s. 183) (as amended (11.12.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 16 para. 33(3) (with Sch. 16 para. 35); S.I. 2013/2981, art. 2(e)); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C35Pt. 12 Ch. 4 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 201, 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

IntroductoryE+W

196Meaning of “relevant order”E+W

(1)In this Chapter “relevant order” means—

(a)a community order,

(b)a custody plus order,

(c)a suspended sentence order, or

(d)an intermittent custody order.

(2)In this Chapter any reference to a requirement being imposed by, or included in, a relevant order is, in relation to a custody plus order or an intermittent custody order, a reference to compliance with the requirement being required by the order to be a condition of a licence.

Commencement Information

I42S. 196 partly in force; s. 196 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 196(1)(d)(2) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 196(1)(a)(c) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 11 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

197Meaning of “the responsible officer”E+W

(1)For the purposes of this Part, “the responsible officer”, in relation to an offender to whom a relevant order relates, means—

(a)in a case where the order—

(i)imposes a curfew requirement or an exclusion requirement but no other requirement mentioned in section 177(1) or, as the case requires, section 182(1) or 190(1), and

(ii)imposes an electronic monitoring requirement,

the person who under section 215(3) is responsible for the electronic monitoring required by the order;

(b)in a case where the offender is aged 18 or over and the only requirement imposed by the order is an attendance centre requirement, the officer in charge of the attendance centre in question;

(c)in any other case, the qualifying officer who, as respects the offender, is for the time being responsible for discharging the functions conferred by this Part on the responsible officer.

(2)The following are qualifying officers for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) —

[F47(a)in a case where the offender is aged under 18 at the time when the relevant order is made—

(i)an officer of a local probation board appointed for or assigned to the local justice area for the time being specified in the order or, (as the case may be) an officer of a provider of probation services acting in the local justice area for the time being specified in the order

(ii)a member of a youth offending team established by a local authority for the time being specified in the order.]

(b)in any other case, an officer of a local probation board appointed for or assigned to the [F48local justice area] for the time being specified in the order [F49, or (as the case may be) an officer of a provider of probation services acting in the local justice area for the time being specified in the order] .

(3)The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)amend subsections (1) and (2), and

(b)make any other amendments of this Part that appear to him to be necessary or expedient in consequence of any amendment made by virtue of paragraph (a).

(4)An order under subsection (3) may, in particular, provide for the court to determine which of two or more descriptions of “responsible officer” is to apply in relation to any relevant order.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C36S. 197(1)(2) excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 183(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I43S. 197 partly in force; s. 197 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 197 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 197(3)(4) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 197 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 2 para. 12 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

198Duties of responsible officerE+W

(1)Where a relevant order has effect, it is the duty of the responsible officer—

(a)to make any arrangements that are necessary in connection with the requirements imposed by the order,

(b)to promote the offender’s compliance with those requirements, and

(c)where appropriate, to take steps to enforce those requirements.

(2)In this section “responsible officer” does not include a person falling within section 197(1)(a).

Commencement Information

I44S. 198 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s.198 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 198 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 198 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 12 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Requirements available in case of all offendersE+W

199Unpaid work requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “unpaid work requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a requirement that the offender must perform unpaid work in accordance with section 200.

(2)The number of hours which a person may be required to work under an unpaid work requirement must be specified in the relevant order and must be in the aggregate—

(a)not less than 40, and

(b)not more than 300.

(3)A court may not impose an unpaid work requirement in respect of an offender unless after hearing (if the courts thinks necessary) an appropriate officer, the court is satisfied that the offender is a suitable person to perform work under such a requirement.

(4)In subsection (3) “an appropriate officer” means—

(a)in the case of an offender aged 18 or over, an officer of a local probation board [F50or an officer of a provider of probation services] , and

(b)in the case of an offender aged under 18, an officer of a local probation board [F51, an officer of a provider of probation services] , a social worker of a local authority F52. . . or a member of a youth offending team.

(5)Where the court makes relevant orders in respect of two or more offences of which the offender has been convicted on the same occasion and includes unpaid work requirements in each of them, the court may direct that the hours of work specified in any of those requirements is to be concurrent with or additional to those specified in any other of those orders, but so that the total number of hours which are not concurrent does not exceed the maximum specified in subsection (2)(b).

Textual Amendments

F52Words in s. 199(4)(b) repealed (1.4.2005 for E. and 1.4.2006 for W.) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), ss. 64, 67, Sch. 5 Pt. 4; S.I. 2005/394, art. 2(2)(g); S.I. 2006/885, art. 2(2)(h)

Commencement Information

I45S. 199 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 199 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 199 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 199 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

200Obligations of person subject to unpaid work requirementE+W

(1)An offender in respect of whom an unpaid work requirement of a relevant order is in force must perform for the number of hours specified in the order such work at such times as he may be instructed by the responsible officer.

(2)Subject to paragraph 20 of Schedule 8 and paragraph 18 of Schedule 12 (power to extend order), the work required to be performed under an unpaid work requirement of a community order or a suspended sentence order must be performed during a period of twelve months.

(3)Unless revoked, a community order imposing an unpaid work requirement remains in force until the offender has worked under it for the number of hours specified in it.

(4)Where an unpaid work requirement is imposed by a suspended sentence order, the supervision period as defined by section 189(1)(a) continues until the offender has worked under the order for the number of hours specified in the order, but does not continue beyond the end of the operational period as defined by section 189(1)(b)(ii).

Commencement Information

I46S. 200 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 200 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 200(1) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 200 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

201Activity requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “activity requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a requirement that the offender must do either or both of the following—

(a)present himself to a person or persons specified in the relevant order at a place or places so specified on such number of days as may be so specified;

(b)participate in activities specified in the order on such number of days as may be so specified.

(2)The specified activities may consist of or include activities whose purpose is that of reparation, such as activities involving contact between offenders and persons affected by their offences.

(3)A court may not include an activity requirement in a relevant order unless—

(a)it has consulted—

(i)in the case of an offender aged 18 or over, an officer of a local probation board [F53or an officer of a provider of probation services] ,

(ii)in the case of an offender aged under 18, F54. . . an officer of a local probation board [F55, an officer of a provider of probation services] or a member of a youth offending team, and

(b)it is satisfied that it is feasible to secure compliance with the requirement.

(4)A court may not include an activity requirement in a relevant order if compliance with that requirement would involve the co-operation of a person other than the offender and the offender’s responsible officer, unless that other person consents to its inclusion.

(5)The aggregate of the number of days specified under subsection (1)(a) and (b) must not exceed 60.

(6)A requirement such as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) operates to require the offender—

(a)in accordance with instructions given by his responsible officer, to present himself at a place or places on the number of days specified in the order, and

(b)while at any place, to comply with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of that place.

(7)A place specified under subsection (1)(a) must be—

(a)a community rehabilitation centre, or

[F56(b)a place that has been approved as providing facilities suitable for persons subject to activity requirements—

(i)where the premises are situated in the area of a local probation board, by that board, or

(ii)in any other case, by a provider of probation services authorised to do so by arrangements under section 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007.]

(8)Where the place specified under subsection (1)(a) is a community rehabilitation centre, the reference in subsection (6)(a) to the offender presenting himself at the specified place includes a reference to him presenting himself elsewhere than at the centre for the purpose of participating in activities in accordance with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the centre.

(9)A requirement to participate in activities operates to require the offender—

(a)in accordance with instructions given by his responsible officer, to participate in activities on the number of days specified in the order, and

(b)while participating, to comply with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the activities.

(10)In this section “community rehabilitation centre” means premises—

(a)at which non-residential facilities are provided for use in connection with the rehabilitation of offenders, and

(b)which are for the time being approved by the Secretary of State as providing facilities suitable for persons subject to relevant orders.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37S. 201(7) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 183(2), 383 (as substituted (1.4.2008) by S.I. 2008/912, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 23(2)(a)); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I47S. 201 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 201 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 201 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 201 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

202Programme requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “programme requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a requirement that the offender must participate in an accredited programme specified in the order at a place so specified on such number of days as may be so specified.

(2)In this Part “accredited programme” means a programme that is for the time being accredited by the [F57Secretary of State for the purposes of this section] .

(3)In this section—

(a)“programme” means a systematic set of activities, and

(b)F58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)A court may not include a programme requirement in a relevant order unless—

(a)the accredited programme which the court proposes to specify in the order has been recommended to the court as being suitable for the offender—

(i)in the case of an offender aged 18 or over, by an officer of a local probation board, [F59or an officer of a provider of probation services] or

(ii)in the case of an offender aged under 18, F60. . . by an officer of a local probation board [F61, an officer of a provider of probation services] or by a member of a youth offending team, and

(b)the court is satisfied that the programme is (or, where the relevant order is a custody plus order or an intermittent custody order, will be) available at the place proposed to be specified.

(5)A court may not include a programme requirement in a relevant order if compliance with that requirement would involve the co-operation of a person other than the offender and the offender’s responsible officer, unless that other person consents to its inclusion.

(6)A requirement to attend an accredited programme operates to require the offender—

(a)in accordance with instructions given by the responsible officer, to participate in the accredited programme at the place specified in the order on the number of days specified in the order, and

(b)while at that place, to comply with instructions given by, or under the authority of, the person in charge of the programme.

[F62(7)A place specified in an order must be a place that has been approved as providing facilities suitable for persons subject to programme requirements—

(a)where the premises are situated in the area of a local probation board, by that board, or

(b)in any other case, by a provider of probation services authorised to do so by arrangements under section 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007.]

Textual Amendments

F57Words in s. 202(2) substituted (1.5.2008) by Offender Management Act 2007 (c. 21), ss. 31(1)(a), 41(1); S.I. 2007/3001, art. 3(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38S. 202(7) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 183(2), 383 (as substituted (1.4.2008) by S.I. 2008/912, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 23(2)(a)); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I48S. 202 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 202 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 202 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 202(3)(b) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 202 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 2 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

203Prohibited activity requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “prohibited activity requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a requirement that the offender must refrain from participating in activities specified in the order—

(a)on a day or days so specified, or

(b)during a period so specified.

(2)A court may not include a prohibited activity requirement in a relevant order unless it has consulted—

(a)in the case of an offender aged 18 or over, an officer of a local probation board [F63or an officer of a provider of probation services];

(b)in the case of an offender aged under 18, F64. . . an officer of a local probation board [F65, an officer of a provider of probation services] or a member of a youth offending team.

(3)The requirements that may by virtue of this section be included in a relevant order include a requirement that the offender does not possess, use or carry a firearm within the meaning of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27).

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I49S. 203 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 203 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 203 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 203 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 2 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

204Curfew requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “curfew requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a requirement that the offender must remain, for periods specified in the relevant order, at a place so specified.

(2)A relevant order imposing a curfew requirement may specify different places or different periods for different days, but may not specify periods which amount to less than two hours or more than twelve hours in any day.

(3)A community order or suspended sentence order which imposes a curfew requirement may not specify periods which fall outside the period of six months beginning with the day on which it is made.

(4)A custody plus order which imposes a curfew requirement may not specify a period which falls outside the period of six months beginning with the first day of the licence period as defined by section 181(3)(b).

(5)An intermittent custody order which imposes a curfew requirement must not specify a period if to do so would cause the aggregate number of days on which the offender is subject to the requirement for any part of the day to exceed 182.

(6)Before making a relevant order imposing a curfew requirement, the court must obtain and consider information about the place proposed to be specified in the order (including information as to the attitude of persons likely to be affected by the enforced presence there of the offender).

Commencement Information

I50S. 204 partly in force; s. 204 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 204(1)(2)(5)(6) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 204(1)-(3)(6) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

205Exclusion requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “exclusion requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a provision prohibiting the offender from entering a place specified in the order for a period so specified.

(2)Where the relevant order is a community order, the period specified must not be more than two years.

(3)An exclusion requirement—

(a)may provide for the prohibition to operate only during the periods specified in the order, and

(b)may specify different places for different periods or days.

(4)In this section “place” includes an area.

Commencement Information

I51S. 205 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 205 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 205(1)(3)(4) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 205 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

206Residence requirementE+W

(1)In this Part, “residence requirement”, in relation to a community order or a suspended sentence order, means a requirement that, during a period specified in the relevant order, the offender must reside at a place specified in the order.

(2)If the order so provides, a residence requirement does not prohibit the offender from residing, with the prior approval of the responsible officer, at a place other than that specified in the order.

(3)Before making a community order or suspended sentence order containing a residence requirement, the court must consider the home surroundings of the offender.

(4)A court may not specify a hostel or other institution as the place where an offender must reside, except on the recommendation of an officer of a local probation board [F66or an officer of a provider of probation services] .

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39S. 206(1) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(3), 383, Sch. 6 para. 3(1); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C40S. 206(2)-(4) excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(3), 383, Sch. 6 para. 3(3); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I52S. 206 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

207Mental health treatment requirementE+W

(1)In this Part, “mental health treatment requirement”, in relation to a community order or suspended sentence order, means a requirement that the offender must submit, during a period or periods specified in the order, to treatment by or under the direction of a registered medical practitioner or a [F67registered psychologist](or both, for different periods) with a view to the improvement of the offender’s mental condition.

(2)The treatment required must be such one of the following kinds of treatment as may be specified in the relevant order—

(a)treatment as a resident patient in an independent hospital or care home within the meaning of the Care Standards Act 2000 (c. 14) or a hospital within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20), but not in hospital premises where high security psychiatric services within the meaning of that Act are provided;

(b)treatment as a non-resident patient at such institution or place as may be specified in the order;

(c)treatment by or under the direction of such registered medical practitioner or [F67registered psychologist](or both) as may be so specified;

but the nature of the treatment is not to be specified in the order except as mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).

(3)A court may not by virtue of this section include a mental health treatment requirement in a relevant order unless—

(a)the court is satisfied, on the evidence of a registered medical practitioner approved for the purposes of section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983, that the mental condition of the offender—

(i)is such as requires and may be susceptible to treatment, but

(ii)is not such as to warrant the making of a hospital order or guardianship order within the meaning of that Act;

(b)the court is also satisfied that arrangements have been or can be made for the treatment intended to be specified in the order (including arrangements for the reception of the offender where he is to be required to submit to treatment as a resident patient); and

(c)the offender has expressed his willingness to comply with such a requirement.

(4)While the offender is under treatment as a resident patient in pursuance of a mental health requirement of a relevant order, his responsible officer shall carry out the supervision of the offender to such extent only as may be necessary for the purpose of the revocation or amendment of the order.

(5)Subsections (2) and (3) of section 54 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) have effect with respect to proof for the purposes of subsection (3)(a) of an offender’s mental condition as they have effect with respect to proof of an offender’s mental condition for the purposes of section 37(2)(a) of that Act.

[F68(6)In this section and section 208, “registered psychologist” means a person registered in the part of the register maintained under the Health Professions Order 2001 which relates to practitioner psychologists.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C41S. 207(3)(a)(ii) excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 178(5), 183(1), 202, 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C42S. 207(3)(c) excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(3), 383, Sch. 6 para. 4(1); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I53S. 207 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

208Mental health treatment at place other than that specified in orderE+W

(1)Where the medical practitioner or [F69registered psychologist] by whom or under whose direction an offender is being treated for his mental condition in pursuance of a mental health treatment requirement is of the opinion that part of the treatment can be better or more conveniently given in or at an institution or place which—

(a)is not specified in the relevant order, and

(b)is one in or at which the treatment of the offender will be given by or under the direction of a registered medical practitioner or chartered psychologist,

he may, with the consent of the offender, make arrangements for him to be treated accordingly.

(2)Such arrangements as are mentioned in subsection (1) may provide for the offender to receive part of his treatment as a resident patient in an institution or place notwithstanding that the institution or place is not one which could have been specified for that purpose in the relevant order.

(3)Where any such arrangements as are mentioned in subsection (1) are made for the treatment of an offender—

(a)the medical practitioner or [F69registered psychologist] by whom the arrangements are made shall give notice in writing to the offender’s responsible officer, specifying the institution or place in or at which the treatment is to be carried out; and

(b)the treatment provided for by the arrangements shall be deemed to be treatment to which he is required to submit in pursuance of the relevant order.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C43S. 208(1) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(3), 383, Sch. 6 para. 4(2); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I54S. 208 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

209Drug rehabilitation requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “drug rehabilitation requirement”, in relation to a community order or suspended sentence order, means a requirement that during a period specified in the order (“the treatment and testing period”) the offender—

(a)must submit to treatment by or under the direction of a specified person having the necessary qualifications or experience with a view to the reduction or elimination of the offender’s dependency on or propensity to misuse drugs, and

(b)for the purpose of ascertaining whether he has any drug in his body during that period, must provide samples of such description as may be so determined, at such times or in such circumstances as may (subject to the provisions of the order) be determined by the responsible officer or by the person specified as the person by or under whose direction the treatment is to be provided.

(2)A court may not impose a drug rehabilitation requirement unless—

(a)it is satisfied—

(i)that the offender is dependent on, or has a propensity to misuse, drugs, and

(ii)that his dependency or propensity is such as requires and may be susceptible to treatment,

(b)it is also satisfied that arrangements have been or can be made for the treatment intended to be specified in the order (including arrangements for the reception of the offender where he is to be required to submit to treatment as a resident),

(c)the requirement has been recommended to the court as being suitable for the offender—

(i)in the case of an offender aged 18 or over, by an officer of a local probation board [F70or an officer of a provider of probation services] , or

(ii)in the case of an offender aged under 18, F71. . . by an officer of a local probation board [F72, an officer of a provider of probation services] or by a member of a youth offending team, and

(d)the offender expresses his willingness to comply with the requirement.

(3)The treatment and testing period must be at least six months.

(4)The required treatment for any particular period must be—

(a)treatment as a resident in such institution or place as may be specified in the order, or

(b)treatment as a non-resident in or at such institution or place, and at such intervals, as may be so specified;

but the nature of the treatment is not to be specified in the order except as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) above.

(5)The function of making a determination as to the provision of samples under provision included in the community order or suspended sentence order by virtue of subsection (1)(b) is to be exercised in accordance with guidance given from time to time by the Secretary of State.

(6)A community order or suspended sentence order imposing a drug rehabilitation requirement must provide that the results of tests carried out on any samples provided by the offender in pursuance of the requirement to a person other than the responsible officer are to be communicated to the responsible officer.

(7)In this section “drug” means a controlled drug as defined by section 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (c. 38).

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C44S. 209(1) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(3), 383, Sch. 6 para. 5(1)(2); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C45S. 206(2)(d) excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(3), 383, Sch. 6 para. 5(3); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C46S. 209(3) excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(3), 383, Sch. 6 para. 5(4); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I55S. 209 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

210Drug rehabilitation requirement: provision for review by courtE+W

(1)A community order or suspended sentence order imposing a drug rehabilitation requirement may (and must if the treatment and testing period is more than 12 months)—

(a)provide for the requirement to be reviewed periodically at intervals of not less than one month,

(b)provide for each review of the requirement to be made, subject to section 211(6), at a hearing held for the purpose by the court responsible for the order (a “review hearing”),

(c)require the offender to attend each review hearing,

(d)provide for the responsible officer to make to the court responsible for the order, before each review, a report in writing on the offender’s progress under the requirement, and

(e)provide for each such report to include the test results communicated to the responsible officer under section 209(6) or otherwise and the views of the treatment provider as to the treatment and testing of the offender.

(2)In this section references to the court responsible for a community order or suspended sentence order imposing a drug rehabilitation requirement are references—

(a)where a court is specified in the order in accordance with subsection (3), to that court;

(b)in any other case, to the court by which the order is made.

(3)Where the area specified in a community order or suspended sentence order which is made by a magistrates' court and imposes a drug rehabilitation requirement is not the area for which the court acts, the court may, if it thinks fit, include in the order provision specifying for the purposes of subsection (2) a magistrates' court which acts for the area specified in the order.

(4)Where a community order or suspended sentence order imposing a drug rehabilitation requirement has been made on an appeal brought from the Crown Court or from the criminal division of the Court of Appeal, for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) it shall be taken to have been made by the Crown Court.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C47S. 210 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 179(1), 203(2), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C48S. 210 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 183(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I56S. 210 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

211Periodic review of drug rehabilitation requirementE+W

(1)At a review hearing (within the meaning given by subsection (1) of section 210) the court may, after considering the responsible officer’s report referred to in that subsection, amend the community order or suspended sentence order, so far as it relates to the drug rehabilitation requirement.

(2)The court—

(a)may not amend the drug rehabilitation requirement unless the offender expresses his willingness to comply with the requirement as amended,

(b)may not amend any provision of the order so as to reduce the period for which the drug rehabilitation requirement has effect below the minimum specified in section 209(3), and

(c)except with the consent of the offender, may not amend any requirement or provision of the order while an appeal against the order is pending.

(3)If the offender fails to express his willingness to comply with the drug rehabilitation requirement as proposed to be amended by the court, the court may—

(a)revoke the community order, or the suspended sentence order and the suspended sentence to which it relates, and

(b)deal with him, for the offence in respect of which the order was made, in any way in which he could have been dealt with for that offence by the court which made the order if the order had not been made.

(4)In dealing with the offender under subsection (3)(b), the court—

(a)shall take into account the extent to which the offender has complied with the requirements of the order, and

(b)may impose a custodial sentence (where the order was made in respect of an offence punishable with such a sentence) notwithstanding anything in section 152(2).

(5)Where the order is a community order made by a magistrates' court in the case of an offender under 18 years of age in respect of an offence triable only on indictment in the case of an adult, any powers exercisable under subsection (3)(b) in respect of the offender after he attains the age of 18 are powers to do either or both of the following—

(a)to impose a fine not exceeding £5,000 for the offence in respect of which the order was made;

(b)to deal with the offender for that offence in any way in which the court could deal with him if it had just convicted him of an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months.

(6)If at a review hearing (as defined by section 210(1)(b)) the court, after considering the responsible officer’s report, is of the opinion that the offender’s progress under the requirement is satisfactory, the court may so amend the order as to provide for each subsequent review to be made by the court without a hearing.

(7)If at a review without a hearing the court, after considering the responsible officer’s report, is of the opinion that the offender’s progress under the requirement is no longer satisfactory, the court may require the offender to attend a hearing of the court at a specified time and place.

(8)At that hearing the court, after considering that report, may—

(a)exercise the powers conferred by this section as if the hearing were a review hearing, and

(b)so amend the order as to provide for each subsequent review to be made at a review hearing.

(9)In this section any reference to the court, in relation to a review without a hearing, is to be read—

(a)in the case of the Crown Court, as a reference to a judge of the court;

(b)in the case of a magistrates' court, as a reference to a justice of the peace F73. . . .

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C49S. 211 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 179(2), 203(3), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4 (as amended (temp.) (24.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by S.I. 2009/1059, arts. 1(3), 206, Sch. 2 paras. 3(b)(c),{14(3)(b)(c)})

C50S. 211 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 183(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I57S. 211 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

212Alcohol treatment requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “alcohol treatment requirement”, in relation to a community order or suspended sentence order, means a requirement that the offender must submit during a period specified in the order to treatment by or under the direction of a specified person having the necessary qualifications or experience with a view to the reduction or elimination of the offender’s dependency on alcohol.

(2)A court may not impose an alcohol treatment requirement in respect of an offender unless it is satisfied—

(a)that he is dependent on alcohol,

(b)that his dependency is such as requires and may be susceptible to treatment, and

(c)that arrangements have been or can be made for the treatment intended to be specified in the order (including arrangements for the reception of the offender where he is to be required to submit to treatment as a resident).

(3)A court may not impose an alcohol treatment requirement unless the offender expresses his willingness to comply with its requirements.

(4)The period for which the alcohol treatment requirement has effect must be not less than six months.

(5)The treatment required by an alcohol treatment requirement for any particular period must be—

(a)treatment as a resident in such institution or place as may be specified in the order,

(b)treatment as a non-resident in or at such institution or place, and at such intervals, as may be so specified, or

(c)treatment by or under the direction of such person having the necessary qualification or experience as may be so specified;

but the nature of the treatment shall not be specified in the order except as mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above.

Commencement Information

I58S. 212 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

213Supervision requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “supervision requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a requirement that, during the relevant period, the offender must attend appointments with the responsible officer or another person determined by the responsible officer, at such time and place as may be determined by the officer.

(2)The purpose for which a supervision requirement may be imposed is that of promoting the offender’s rehabilitation.

(3)In subsection (1) “the relevant period” means—

(a)in relation to a community order, the period for which the community order remains in force,

(b)in relation to a custody plus order, the licence period as defined by section 181(3)(b),

(c)in relation to an intermittent custody order, the licence periods as defined by section 183(3), and

(d)in relation to a suspended sentence order, the supervision period as defined by section 189(1)(a).

Commencement Information

I59S. 213 partly in force; s. 213 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 213(1)(2)(3)(c) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 213(1)-(3)(a)(d) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 13 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Requirements available only in case of offenders aged under 25E+W

214Attendance centre requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “attendance centre requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a requirement that the offender must attend at an attendance centre specified in the relevant order for such number of hours as may be so specified.

(2)The aggregate number of hours for which the offender may be required to attend at an attendance centre must not be less than 12 or more than 36.

(3)The court may not impose an attendance centre requirement unless the court is satisfied that the attendance centre to be specified in it is reasonably accessible to the offender concerned, having regard to the means of access available to him and any other circumstances.

(4)The first time at which the offender is required to attend at the attendance centre is a time notified to the offender by the responsible officer.

(5)The subsequent hours are to be fixed by the officer in charge of the centre, having regard to the offender’s circumstances.

(6)An offender may not be required under this section to attend at an attendance centre on more than one occasion on any day, or for more than three hours on any occasion.

Commencement Information

I60S. 214 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 214 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 214 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 214 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 14 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Electronic monitoringE+W

215Electronic monitoring requirementE+W

(1)In this Part “electronic monitoring requirement”, in relation to a relevant order, means a requirement for securing the electronic monitoring of the offender’s compliance with other requirements imposed by the order during a period specified in the order, or determined by the responsible officer in accordance with the relevant order.

(2)Where—

(a)it is proposed to include in a relevant order a requirement for securing electronic monitoring in accordance with this section, but

(b)there is a person (other than the offender) without whose co-operation it will not be practicable to secure the monitoring,

the requirement may not be included in the order without that person’s consent.

(3)A relevant order which includes an electronic monitoring requirement must include provision for making a person responsible for the monitoring; and a person who is made so responsible must be of a description specified in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(4)Where an electronic monitoring requirement is required to take effect during a period determined by the responsible officer in accordance with the relevant order, the responsible officer must, before the beginning of that period, notify—

(a)the offender,

(b)the person responsible for the monitoring, and

(c)any person falling within subsection (2)(b),

of the time when the period is to begin.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C51S. 215 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 183(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I61S. 215 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 215 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 215 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 215(3) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 215 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 15 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Provisions applying to relevant orders generallyE+W

216[F74Local justice area] to be specified in relevant orderE+W

(1)A community order or suspended sentence order must specify the [F75local justice area] in which the offender resides or will reside.

(2)A custody plus order or an intermittent custody order must specify the [F75local justice area] in which the offender will reside—

(a)in the case of a custody plus order, during the licence period as defined by section 181(3)(b), or

(b)in the case of an intermittent custody order, during the licence periods as defined by section 183(3).

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C52S. 216 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 183(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I62S. 216 partly in force; s. 216 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 216(2)(b) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 216(1) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 16 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

217Requirement to avoid conflict with religious beliefs, etcE+W

(1)The court must ensure, as far as practicable, that any requirement imposed by a relevant order is such as to avoid—

(a)any conflict with the offender’s religious beliefs or with the requirements of any other relevant order to which he may be subject; and

(b)any interference with the times, if any, at which he normally works or attends school or any other educational establishment.

(2)The responsible officer in relation to an offender to whom a relevant order relates must ensure, as far as practicable, that any instruction given or requirement imposed by him in pursuance of the order is such as to avoid the conflict or interference mentioned in subsection (1).

(3)The Secretary of State may by order provide that subsection (1) or (2) is to have effect with such additional restrictions as may be specified in the order.

Commencement Information

I63S. 217 wholly in force 4.4.2005; s. 217 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 217 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 217(3) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 217 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 16 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

218Availability of arrangements in local areaE+W

(1)A court may not include an unpaid work requirement in a relevant order unless the court is satisfied that provision for the offender to work under such a requirement can be made under the arrangements for persons to perform work under such a requirement which exist in the [F76local justice area] in which he resides or will reside.

(2)A court may not include an activity requirement in a relevant order unless the court is satisfied that provision for the offender to participate in the activities proposed to be specified in the order can be made under the arrangements for persons to participate in such activities which exist in the [F76local justice area] in which he resides or will reside.

(3)A court may not include an attendance centre requirement in a relevant order in respect of an offender unless the court has been notified by the Secretary of State that an attendance centre is available for persons of his description.

(4)A court may not include an electronic monitoring requirement in a relevant order in respect of an offender unless the court—

(a)has been notified by the Secretary of State that electronic monitoring arrangements are available in the relevant areas mentioned in subsections (5) to (7), and

(b)is satisfied that the necessary provision can be made under those arrangements.

(5)In the case of a relevant order containing a curfew requirement or an exclusion requirement, the relevant area for the purposes of subsection (4) is the area in which the place proposed to be specified in the order is situated.

(6)In the case of a relevant order containing an attendance centre requirement, the relevant area for the purposes of subsection (4) is the area in which the attendance centre proposed to be specified in the order is situated.

(7)In the case of any other relevant order, the relevant area for the purposes of subsection (4) is the [F76local justice area] proposed to be specified in the order.

(8)In subsection (5) “place”, in relation to an exclusion requirement, has the same meaning as in section 205.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C53S. 218 excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 183(1), 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I64S. 218 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 218 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 218 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 218 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 16 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

219Provision of copies of relevant ordersE+W

(1)The court by which any relevant order is made must forthwith provide copies of the order—

(a)to the offender,

(b)if the offender is aged 18 or over, to an officer of a local probation board assigned to the court [F77or an officer of a provider of probation services acting at the court] ,

(c)if the offender is aged 16 or 17, to an officer of a local probation board assigned to the court [F78, an officer of a provider of probation services acting at the court] or to a member of a youth offending team assigned to the court, and

(d)where the order specifies a [F79local justice area in which] the court making the order does not act, to the local probation board acting for that area [F80, or (as the case may be) a provider of probation services acting in that area] .

(2)Where a relevant order imposes any requirement specified in the first column of Schedule 14, the court by which the order is made must also forthwith provide the person specified in relation to that requirement in the second column of that Schedule with a copy of so much of the order as relates to that requirement.

(3)Where a relevant order specifies a [F81local justice area in which] the court making the order does not act, the court making the order must provide to the magistrates’s court [F82acting in that area]—

(a)a copy of the order, and

(b)such documents and information relating to the case as it considers likely to be of assistance to a court [F82acting in that area] in the exercise of its functions in relation to the order.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C54S. 219(3) excluded (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 178(5), 197(4), 202, 383; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I65S. 219 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 219 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 219(1)(a)(b)(d)(2)(3) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 219 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 2 para. 16 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

220Duty of offender to keep in touch with responsible officerE+W

(1)An offender in respect of whom a community order or a suspended sentence order is in force—

(a)must keep in touch with the responsible officer in accordance with such instructions as he may from time to time be given by that officer, and

(b)must notify him of any change of address.

(2)The obligation imposed by subsection (1) is enforceable as if it were a requirement imposed by the order.

Commencement Information

I66S. 220 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 16 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Powers of Secretary of StateE+W

221Provision of attendance centresE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may continue to provide attendance centres.

(2)In this Part “attendance centre” means a place at which offenders aged under 25 may be required to attend and be given under supervision appropriate occupation or instruction in pursuance of—

(a)attendance centre requirements of relevant orders, or

(b)attendance centre orders under section 60 of the Sentencing Act.

[F83(c)default orders under section 300 of this Act, or

(d)youth default orders under section 39 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.]

(3)For the purpose of providing attendance centres, the Secretary of State may make arrangements with any local authority or police authority for the use of premises of that authority.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I67S. 221 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 221 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 221 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 221 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 17 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

222RulesE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may make rules for regulating—

(a)the supervision of persons who are subject to relevant orders,

(b)without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a), the functions of responsible officers in relation to offenders subject to relevant orders,

(c)the arrangements to be made by local probation boards [F84or providers of probation services] for persons subject to unpaid work requirements to perform work and the performance of such work,

(d)the provision and carrying on of attendance centres and community rehabilitation centres,

(e)the attendance of persons subject to activity requirements or attendance centre requirements at the places at which they are required to attend, including hours of attendance, reckoning days of attendance and the keeping of attendance records,

(f)electronic monitoring in pursuance of an electronic monitoring requirement, and

(g)without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (f), the functions of persons made responsible for securing electronic monitoring in pursuance of such a requirement.

(2)Rules under subsection (1)(c) may, in particular, make provision—

(a)limiting the number of hours of work to be done by a person on any one day,

(b)as to the reckoning of hours worked and the keeping of work records, and

(c)for the payment of travelling and other expenses in connection with the performance of work.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I68S. 222 wholly in force at 7.3.2005; s. 222 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 222 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 222 in force in so far as not already in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2

223Power to amend limitsE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may by order amend—

(a)subsection (2) of section 199 (unpaid work requirement), or

(b)subsection (2) of section 204 (curfew requirement),

by substituting, for the maximum number of hours for the time being specified in that subsection, such other number of hours as may be specified in the order.

(2)The Secretary of State may by order amend any of the provisions mentioned in subsection (3) by substituting, for any period for the time being specified in the provision, such other period as may be specified in the order.

(3)Those provisions are—

(a)section 204(3) (curfew requirement);

(b)section 205(2) (exclusion requirement);

(c)section 209(3) (drug rehabilitation requirement);

(d)section 212(4) (alcohol treatment requirement).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C55S. 223 modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 182(3), 383, Sch. 6 para. 8; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I69S. 223 wholly in force at 7.3.2005; s. 223 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 223(1)(2)(3)(a)(b) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 223 in force in so far as not already in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2

Chapter 5E+WDangerous offenders

224Meaning of “specified offence” etc.E+W

(1)An offence is a “specified offence” for the purposes of this Chapter if it is a specified violent offence or a specified sexual offence.

(2)An offence is a “serious offence” for the purposes of this Chapter if and only if—

(a)it is a specified offence, and

(b)it is, apart from section 225, punishable in the case of a person aged 18 or over by—

(i)imprisonment for life, or

(ii)imprisonment for a determinate period of ten years or more.

(3)In this Chapter—

  • F85. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • “serious harm” means death or serious personal injury, whether physical or psychological;

  • “specified violent offence” means an offence specified in Part 1 of Schedule 15;

  • “specified sexual offence” means an offence specified in Part 2 of that Schedule.

Textual Amendments

F85S. 224(3): the definition of "relevant offence" is repealed (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 148, 149, 153, Sch. 26 para. 69, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 48(a)

Commencement Information

I70S. 224 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

225Life sentence or imprisonment for public protection for serious offencesE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person aged 18 or over is convicted of a serious offence committed after the commencement of this section, and

(b)the court is of the opinion that there is a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm occasioned by the commission by him of further specified offences.

(2)If—

(a)the offence is one in respect of which the offender would apart from this section be liable to imprisonment for life, and

(b)the court considers that the seriousness of the offence, or of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, is such as to justify the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment for life,

the court must impose a sentence of imprisonment for life.

[F86(3)In a case not falling within subsection (2), the court may impose a sentence of imprisonment for public protection if the condition in subsection (3A) or the condition in subsection (3B) is met.

(3A)The condition in this subsection is that, at the time the offence was committed, the offender had been convicted of an offence specified in Schedule 15A.

(3B)The condition in this subsection is that the notional minimum term is at least two years.

(3C)The notional minimum term is the part of the sentence that the court would specify under section 82A(2) of the Sentencing Act (determination of tariff) if it imposed a sentence of imprisonment for public protection but was required to disregard the matter mentioned in section 82A(3)(b) of that Act (crediting periods of remand).]

(4)A sentence of imprisonment for public protection is a sentence of imprisonment for an indeterminate period, subject to the provisions of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c. 43) as to the release of prisoners and duration of licences.

(5)An offence the sentence for which is imposed under this section is not to be regarded as an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law.

Textual Amendments

F86S. 225(3)-(3C) substituted (14.7.2008) for s. 225(3) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 13(1), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 4, (subject to art. 2(3), Sch. 2 para. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C56S. 225 applied (with modifications) (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 219, 383 (with s. 385) (as amended (31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 145, 153, Sch. 25 para. 13; S.I. 2009/1028, art. 2); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I71S. 225 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

226Detention for life or detention for public protection for serious offences committed by those under 18E+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person aged under 18 is convicted of a serious offence committed after the commencement of this section, and

(b)the court is of the opinion that there is a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm occasioned by the commission by him of further specified offences.

(2)If—

(a)the offence is one in respect of which the offender would apart from this section be liable to a sentence of detention for life under section 91 of the Sentencing Act, and

(b)the court considers that the seriousness of the offence, or of the offence and one or more offences associated with it, is such as to justify the imposition of a sentence of detention for life,

the court must impose a sentence of detention for life under that section.

[F87(3)In a case not falling within subsection (2), the court may impose a sentence of detention for public protection if the notional minimum term is at least two years.

(3A)The notional minimum term is the part of the sentence that the court would specify under section 82A(2) of the Sentencing Act (determination of tariff) if it imposed a sentence of detention for public protection but was required to disregard the matter mentioned in section 82A(3)(b) of that Act (crediting periods of remand).]

(4)A sentence of detention for public protection is a sentence of detention for an indeterminate period, subject to the provisions of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c. 43) as to the release of prisoners and duration of licences.

(5)An offence the sentence for which is imposed under this section is not to be regarded as an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law.

Textual Amendments

F87S. 226(3)(3A) substituted (14.7.2008) for s. 226(3) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 14, 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 5, (subject to art. 2(3), Sch. 2 para. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C58S. 226 applied (with modifications) (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 221, 383 (with s. 385) (as amended (31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 145, 153, Sch. 25 para. 15; S.I. 2009/1028, art. 2(b)); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I72S. 226 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

227Extended sentence for certain violent or sexual offences: persons 18 or overE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person aged 18 or over is convicted of a specified offence F88. . . committed after the commencement of this section, and

(b)the court considers that there is a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm occasioned by the commission by the offender of further specified offences.[F89, but

(c)the court is not required by section 225(2) to impose a sentence of imprisonment for life.]

(2)[F90The court may] impose on the offender an extended sentence of imprisonment, [F91if the condition in subsection (2A) or the condition in subsection (2B) is met.]

[F92(2A)The condition in this subsection is that, at the time the offence was committed, the offender had been convicted of an offence specified in Schedule 15A.

(2B)The condition in this subsection is that, if the court were to impose an extended sentence of imprisonment, the term that it would specify as the appropriate custodial term would be at least 4 years.

(2C)An extended sentence of imprisonment is a sentence of imprisonment the term of which is equal to the aggregate of—

(a)the appropriate custodial term, and

(b)a further period (“the extension period”) for which the offender is to be subject to a licence and which is of such length as the court considers necessary for the purpose of protecting members of the public from serious harm occasioned by the commission by him of further specified offences.]

(3)In [F93subsections (2B) and (2C)]“the appropriate custodial term” means a term of imprisonment (not exceeding the maximum term permitted for the offence) which—

(a)is the term that would (apart from this section) be imposed in compliance with section 153(2), or

(b)where the term that would be so imposed is a term of less than 12 months, is a term of 12 months.

(4)The extension period must not exceed—

(a)five years in the case of a specified violent offence, and

(b)eight years in the case of a specified sexual offence.

(5)The term of an extended sentence of imprisonment passed under this section in respect of an offence must not exceed the maximum term permitted for the offence.

[F94(6)The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (2B) so as to substitute a different period for the period for the time being specified in that subsection.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C59S. 227 applied (with modifications) (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 220, 383 (with s. 385) (as amended (31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 145, 153, Sch. 25 para. 14; S.I. 2009/1028, art. 2(b)); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C60S. 227 modified (14.7.2008) by The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (Transitory Provisions) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1587, art. 2(3)

Commencement Information

I73S. 227 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

228Extended sentence for certain violent or sexual offences: persons under 18E+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person aged under 18 is convicted of a specified offence committed after the commencement of this section, and

(b)the court considers—

(i)that there is a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm occasioned by the commission by the offender of further specified offences, and

(ii)where the specified offence is a serious offence, that the case is not one in which the court is required by section 226(2) to impose a sentence of detention for life under section 91 of the Sentencing Act F95. . . .

(2)[F96The court may] impose on the offender an extended sentence of detention, [F97if the condition in subsection (2A) is met.]

[F98(2A)The condition in this subsection is that, if the court were to impose an extended sentence of detention, the term that it would specify as the appropriate custodial term would be at least 4 years.

(2B)An extended sentence of detention is a sentence of detention the term of which is equal to the aggregate of—

(a)the appropriate custodial term, and

(b)a further period (“the extension period”) for which the offender is to be subject to a licence and which is of such length as the court considers necessary for the purpose of protecting members of the public from serious harm occasioned by the commission by him of further specified offences.]

(3)In [F99subsections (2A) and (2B)]“the appropriate custodial term” means such term as the court considers appropriate, which—

(a)F100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)must not exceed the maximum term of imprisonment permitted for the offence.

(4)The extension period must not exceed—

(a)five years in the case of a specified violent offence, and

(b)eight years in the case of a specified sexual offence.

(5)The term of an extended sentence of detention passed under this section in respect of an offence must not exceed the maximum term of imprisonment permitted for the offence.

(6)Any reference in this section to the maximum term of imprisonment permitted for an offence is a reference to the maximum term of imprisonment that is, apart from section 225, permitted for the offence in the case of a person aged 18 or over.

[F101(7)The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (2A) so as to substitute a different period for the period for the time being specified in that subsection.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C61S. 228 applied (with modifications) (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 222, 383 (with s. 385) (as amended (31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 145, 153, Sch. 25 para. 16; S.I. 2009/1028, art. 2(b)); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I74S. 228 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

229The assessment of dangerousnessE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person has been convicted of a specified offence, and

(b)it falls to a court to assess under any of sections 225 to 228 whether there is a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm occasioned by the commission by him of further such offences.

(2)F102. . . , the court in making the assessment referred to in subsection (1)(b)—

(a)must take into account all such information as is available to it about the nature and circumstances of the offence,

[F103(aa)may take into account all such information as is available to it about the nature and circumstances of any other offences of which the offender has been convicted by a court anywhere in the world,]

(b)may take into account any information which is before it about any pattern of behaviour of which [F104any of the offences mentioned in paragraph (a) or (aa)] forms part, and

(c)may take into account any information about the offender which is before it.

[F105(2A)The reference in subsection (2)(aa) to a conviction by a court includes a reference to—

(a)a finding of guilt in service disciplinary proceedings, and

(b)a conviction of a service offence within the meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“conviction” here including anything that under section 376(1) and (2) of that Act is to be treated as a conviction).]

(3)F106. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)F107. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C62S. 229(2)(2A) applied (with modifications) (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 223(2)(3), 383 (with s. 385) (as amended (31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 145, Sch. 25 para. 17; S.I. 2009/1028, art. 2); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4; S.I. 2009/1028, art. 2(b)

Commencement Information

I75S. 229 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

230Imprisonment or detention for public protection: release on licenceE+W

Schedule 18 (release of prisoners serving sentences of imprisonment or detention for public protection) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I76S. 230 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

231Appeals where previous convictions set asideE+W

[F108(1)This section applies where—

(a)a sentence has been imposed on any person under section 225(3) or 227(2),

(b)the condition in section 225(3A) or (as the case may be) 227(2A) was met but the condition in section 225(3B) or (as the case may be) 227(2B) was not, and

(c)any previous conviction of his without which the condition in section 225(3A) or (as the case may be) 227(2A) would not have been met has been subsequently set aside on appeal.]

(2)Notwithstanding anything in section 18 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 (c. 19), notice of appeal against the sentence may be given at any time within 28 days from the date on which the previous conviction was set aside.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I77S. 231 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

232Certificates of convictions for purposes of [F109sections 225 and 227]E+W

Where—

(a)on any date after [F110the commencement of Schedule 15A] a person is convicted in England and Wales of [F111an offence specified in that Schedule] , and

(b)the court by or before which he is so convicted states in open court that he has been convicted of such an offence on that date, and

(c)that court subsequently certifies that fact,

that certificate shall be evidence, for the purposes of [F112sections 225(3A) and 227(2A)] , that he was convicted of such an offence on that date.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I78S. 232 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

[F113233Offences under service lawE+W

(1)Where—

(a)a person has at any time been convicted of an offence under section 42 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (criminal conduct), and

(b)the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales, within the meaning given by that section, was a relevant offence,

section 229 has effect as if he had at that time been convicted in England and Wales of that corresponding offence.

(2)Section 48 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (attempts, conspiracy, [F114encouragement and assistance] and aiding and abetting outside England and Wales) applies for the purposes of this section as if the reference in subsection (3)(b) of that section to any of the following provisions of that Act were a reference to this section.]

Textual Amendments

F113S. 233 substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 218; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I79S. 233 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

234Determination of day when offence committedE+W

F115. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

235Detention under sections 226 and 228E+W

A person sentenced to be detained under section 226 or 228 is liable to be detained in such place, and under such conditions, as may be determined by the Secretary of State or by such other person as may be authorised by him for the purpose.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C63S. 235 applied (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 224, 383 (with s. 385); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I80S. 235 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

236Conversion of sentences of detention into sentences of imprisonmentE+W

For section 99 of the Sentencing Act (conversion of sentence of detention and custody into sentence of imprisonment) there is substituted—

“Conversion of sentence of detention to sentence of imprisonmentE+W
99Conversion of sentence of detention to sentence of imprisonment

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, where an offender has been sentenced by a relevant sentence of detention to a term of detention and either—

(a)he has attained the age of 21, or

(b)he has attained the age of 18 and has been reported to the Secretary of State by the board of visitors of the institution in which he is detained as exercising a bad influence on the other inmates of the institution or as behaving in a disruptive manner to the detriment of those inmates,

the Secretary of State may direct that he shall be treated as if he had been sentenced to imprisonment for the same term.

(2)Where the Secretary of State gives a direction under subsection (1) above in relation to an offender, the portion of the term of detention imposed under the relevant sentence of detention which he has already served shall be deemed to have been a portion of a term of imprisonment.

(3)Where the Secretary of State gives a direction under subsection (1) above in relation to an offender serving a sentence of detention for public protection under section 226 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 the offender shall be treated as if he had been sentenced under section 225 of that Act; and where the Secretary of State gives such a direction in relation to an offender serving an extended sentence of detention under section 228 of that Act the offender shall be treated as if he had been sentenced under section 227 of that Act.

(4)Rules under section 47 of the Prison Act 1952 may provide that any award for an offence against discipline made in respect of an offender serving a relevant sentence of detention shall continue to have effect after a direction under subsection (1) has been given in relation to him.

(5)In this section “relevant sentence of detention” means—

(a)a sentence of detention under section 90 or 91 above,

(b)a sentence of detention for public protection under section 226 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, or

(c)an extended sentence of detention under section 228 of that Act.”

Commencement Information

I81S. 236 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Chapter 6E+WRelease on licence

PreliminaryE+W

237Meaning of “fixed-term prisoner” [F116etc ]E+W

(1)In this Chapter “fixed-term prisoner” means—

(a)a person serving a sentence of imprisonment for a determinate term, or

(b)a person serving a determinate sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act or under section 228 of this Act.

[F117(1B)In this Chapter—

(a)references to a sentence of imprisonment include such a sentence passed by a service court;

(b)references to a sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act include a sentence of detention under section 209 of the Armed Forces Act 2006;

(c)references to a sentence under section 227 of this Act include a sentence under that section passed as a result of section 220 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 [F118or section 240A] ; and

(d)references to a sentence under section 228 of this Act include a sentence under that section passed as a result of section 222 of that Act.

(1C)Nothing in subsection (1B) has the effect that section 240 or 265 (provision equivalent to which is made by the Armed Forces Act 2006) applies to a service court.]

(2)In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, “prisoner” includes a person serving a sentence falling within subsection (1)(b); and “prison” includes any place where a person serving such a sentence is liable to be detained.

Textual Amendments

F116Word in s. 237 heading inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 219; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F117S. 237(1B)(1C) inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 219; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C64S. 237(1B) modified (24.4.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), arts. 1(3), 205, Sch. 1 para. 53(8)

Commencement Information

I82S. 237 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 237 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 237 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 237 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Power of court to recommend licence conditionsE+W

238Power of court to recommend licence conditions for certain prisonersE+W

(1)A court which sentences an offender to a term of imprisonment of twelve months or more in respect of any offence may, when passing sentence, recommend to the Secretary of State particular conditions which in its view should be included in any licence granted to the offender under this Chapter on his release from prison.

(2)In exercising his powers under section 250(4)(b) in respect of an offender, the Secretary of State must have regard to any recommendation under subsection (1).

(3)A recommendation under subsection (1) is not to be treated for any purpose as part of the sentence passed on the offender.

(4)This section does not apply in relation to a sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act or section 228 of this Act.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C65S. 238(1) modified (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 262, 383 (with s. 271(1)); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I83S. 238 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

239The Parole BoardE+W

(1)The Parole Board is to continue to be, by that name, a body corporate and as such is—

(a)to be constituted in accordance with this Chapter, and

(b)to have the functions conferred on it by this Chapter in respect of fixed-term prisoners and by Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c. 43) (in this Chapter referred to as “the 1997 Act”) in respect of life prisoners within the meaning of that Chapter.

(2)It is the duty of the Board to advise the Secretary of State with respect to any matter referred to it by him which is to do with the early release or recall of prisoners.

(3)The Board must, in dealing with cases as respects which it makes recommendations under this Chapter or under Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the 1997 Act, consider—

(a)any documents given to it by the Secretary of State, and

(b)any other oral or written information obtained by it;

and if in any particular case the Board thinks it necessary to interview the person to whom the case relates before reaching a decision, the Board may authorise one of its members to interview him and must consider the report of the interview made by that member.

(4)The Board must deal with cases as respects which it gives directions under this Chapter or under Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the 1997 Act on consideration of all such evidence as may be adduced before it.

(5)Without prejudice to subsections (3) and (4), the Secretary of State may make rules with respect to the proceedings of the Board, including proceedings authorising cases to be dealt with by a prescribed number of its members or requiring cases to be dealt with at prescribed times.

(6)The Secretary of State may also give to the Board directions as to the matters to be taken into account by it in discharging any functions under this Chapter or under Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the 1997 Act; and in giving any such directions the Secretary of State must have regard to—

(a)the need to protect the public from serious harm from offenders, and

(b)the desirability of preventing the commission by them of further offences and of securing their rehabilitation.

(7)Schedule 19 shall have effect with respect to the Board.

Commencement Information

I84S. 239 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 239 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 239 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 239(5)(6) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 239 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Effect of remand in custody [F119or on bail subject to certain types of condition]E+W

Textual Amendments

F119Words in s. 240 cross-heading inserted (3.11.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 21(3), 153; S.I. 2008/2712, art. 2, Sch. para. 1 (subject to arts. 3, 4)

240Crediting of periods of remand in custody: terms of imprisonment and detentionE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a court sentences an offender to imprisonment for a term in respect of an offence committed after the commencement of this section, and

(b)the offender has been remanded in custody (within the meaning given by section 242) in connection with the offence or a related offence, that is to say, any other offence the charge for which was founded on the same facts or evidence.

(2)It is immaterial for that purpose whether the offender—

(a)has also been remanded in custody in connection with other offences; or

(b)has also been detained in connection with other matters.

(3)Subject to subsection (4), the court must direct that the number of days for which the offender was remanded in custody in connection with the offence or a related offence is to count as time served by him as part of the sentence.

(4)Subsection (3) does not apply if and to the extent that—

(a)rules made by the Secretary of State so provide in the case of—

(i)a remand in custody which is wholly or partly concurrent with a sentence of imprisonment, or

(ii)sentences of imprisonment for consecutive terms or for terms which are wholly or partly concurrent, or

(b)it is in the opinion of the court just in all the circumstances not to give a direction under that subsection.

(5)Where the court gives a direction under subsection (3), it shall state in open court—

(a)the number of days for which the offender was remanded in custody, and

(b)the number of days in relation to which the direction is given.

(6)Where the court does not give a direction under subsection (3), or gives such a direction in relation to a number of days less than that for which the offender was remanded in custody, it shall state in open court—

(a)that its decision is in accordance with rules made under paragraph (a) of subsection (4), or

(b)that it is of the opinion mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection and what the circumstances are.

(7)For the purposes of this section a suspended sentence—

(a)is to be treated as a sentence of imprisonment when it takes effect under paragraph 8(2)(a) or (b) of Schedule 12, and

(b)is to be treated as being imposed by the order under which it takes effect.

(8)For the purposes of the reference in subsection (3) to the term of imprisonment to which a person has been sentenced (that is to say, the reference to his “sentence”), consecutive terms and terms which are wholly or partly concurrent are to be treated as a single term if—

(a)the sentences were passed on the same occasion, or

(b)where they were passed on different occasions, the person has not been released under this Chapter at any time during the period beginning with the first and ending with the last of those occasions.

(9)Where an offence is found to have been committed over a period of two or more days, or at some time during a period of two or more days, it shall be taken for the purposes of subsection (1) to have been committed on the last of those days.

(10)This section applies to a determinate sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act or section 228 of this Act as it applies to an equivalent sentence of imprisonment.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C66S. 240 modified (31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces (Civilian Courts Dealing with Service Offences) (Modification of the Criminal Justice Act 2003) Regulations (S.I. 2009/2042), {regs. 7}, 10

C67S. 240(1) modified (31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces (Civilian Courts Dealing with Service Offences) (Modification of the Criminal Justice Act 2003) Regulations (S.I. 2009/2042), {regs. 5}, 10

C68S. 240(2)(a) modified (31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces (Civilian Courts Dealing with Service Offences) (Modification of the Criminal Justice Act 2003) Regulations (S.I. 2009/2042), {regs. 6}, 10

C69S. 240(5)(a) modified (31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces (Civilian Courts Dealing with Service Offences) (Modification of the Criminal Justice Act 2003) Regulations (S.I. 2009/2042), {regs. 8}, 10

C70S. 240(6) modified (31.10.2009) by The Armed Forces (Civilian Courts Dealing with Service Offences) (Modification of the Criminal Justice Act 2003) Regulations (S.I. 2009/2042), {regs. 9}, 10

Commencement Information

I85S. 240 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 240 not in force at Royal Assesnt see s. 336(3); s. 240(4)(a) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 240 in force at 4.4.2005 in so far as it is already not in force by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

[F120240ACrediting periods of remand on bail: terms of imprisonment and detentionE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a court sentences an offender to imprisonment for a term in respect of an offence committed on or after 4th April 2005,

(b)the offender was remanded on bail by a court in course of or in connection with proceedings for the offence, or any related offence, after the coming into force of section 21 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, and

(c)the offender's bail was subject to a qualifying curfew condition and an electronic monitoring condition (“the relevant conditions”).

(2)Subject to subsection (4), the court must direct that the credit period is to count as time served by the offender as part of the sentence.

(3)The “credit period” is the number of days represented by half of the sum of—

(a)the day on which the offender's bail was first subject to conditions that, had they applied throughout the day in question, would have been relevant conditions, and

(b)the number of other days on which the offender's bail was subject to those conditions (excluding the last day on which it was so subject),

rounded up to the nearest whole number.

(4)Subsection (2) does not apply if and to the extent that—

(a)rules made by the Secretary of State so provide, or

(b)it is in the opinion of the court just in all the circumstances not to give a direction under that subsection.

(5)Where as a result of paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4) the court does not give a direction under subsection (2), it may give a direction in accordance with either of those paragraphs to the effect that a period of days which is less than the credit period is to count as time served by the offender as part of the sentence.

(6)Rules made under subsection (4)(a) may, in particular, make provision in relation to—

(a)sentences of imprisonment for consecutive terms;

(b)sentences of imprisonment for terms which are wholly or partly concurrent;

(c)periods during which a person granted bail subject to the relevant conditions is also subject to electronic monitoring required by an order made by a court or the Secretary of State.

(7)In considering whether it is of the opinion mentioned in subsection (4)(b) the court must, in particular, take into account whether or not the offender has, at any time whilst on bail subject to the relevant conditions, broken either or both of them.

(8)Where the court gives a direction under subsection (2) or (5) it shall state in open court—

(a)the number of days on which the offender was subject to the relevant conditions, and

(b)the number of days in relation to which the direction is given.

(9)Subsection (10) applies where the court—

(a)does not give a direction under subsection (2) but gives a direction under subsection (5), or

(b)decides not to give a direction under this section.

(10)The court shall state in open court—

(a)that its decision is in accordance with rules made under paragraph (a) of subsection (4), or

(b)that it is of the opinion mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection and what the circumstances are.

(11)Subsections (7) to (10) of section 240 apply for the purposes of this section as they apply for the purposes of that section but as if—

(a)in subsection (7)—

(i)the reference to a suspended sentence is to be read as including a reference to a sentence to which an order under section 118(1) of the Sentencing Act relates;

(ii)in paragraph (a) after “Schedule 12” there were inserted or section 119(1)(a) or (b) of the Sentencing Act; and

(b)in subsection (8) the reference to subsection (3) of section 240 is to be read as a reference to subsection (2) of this section and, in paragraph (b), after “Chapter” there were inserted or Part 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991.

(12)In this section—

  • “electronic monitoring condition” means any electronic monitoring requirements imposed under section 3(6ZAA) of the Bail Act 1976 for the purpose of securing the electronic monitoring of a person's compliance with a qualifying curfew condition;

  • “qualifying curfew condition” means a condition of bail which requires the person granted bail to remain at one or more specified places for a total of not less than 9 hours in any given day; and

  • “related offence” means an offence, other than the offence for which the sentence is imposed (“offence A”), with which the offender was charged and the charge for which was founded on the same facts or evidence as offence A.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C71S. 240A(2) excluded (3.11.2008) by The Remand on Bail (Disapplication of Credit Period) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/2793), art. 2

C72S. 240A(2) excluded (3.11.2008) by The Remand on Bail (Disapplication of Credit Period) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/2793), art. 3

C73S. 240A(2) excluded (3.11.2008) by The Remand on Bail (Disapplication of Credit Period) Rules 2008 (S.I. 2008/2793), art. 4

241Effect of direction under section 240 [F121or 240A] on release on licenceE+W

(1)In determining for the purposes of this Chapter or Chapter 3 (prison sentences of less than twelve months) whether a person to whom a direction under section 240 [F121or 240A]relates—

(a)has served, or would (but for his release) have served, a particular proportion of his sentence, or

(b)has served a particular period,

the number of days specified in the direction are to be treated as having been served by him as part of that sentence or period.

[F122(1A)In subsection (1) the reference to a direction under section 240 [F121or 240A] includes a direction under section 246 of the Armed Forces Act 2006.]

(2)In determining for the purposes of section 183 (intermittent custody) whether any part of a sentence to which an intermittent custody order relates is a licence period, the number of custodial days, as defined by subsection (3) of that section, is to be taken to be reduced by the number of days specified in a direction under section 240 [F121or 240A] .

Textual Amendments

F122S. 241(1A) inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c.52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 220; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I86S. 241 wholly in force 4.4.2005; s. 241 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 241 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 241 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

242Interpretation of sections 240 [F123, 240A] and 241E+W

(1)For the purposes of sections 240 [F123, 240A] and 241, the definition of “sentence of imprisonment” in section 305 applies as if for the words from the beginning of the definition to the end of paragraph (a) there were substituted—

““sentence of imprisonment” does not include a committal—

(a)in default of payment of any sum of money, other than one adjudged to be paid on a conviction,”;

and references in those sections to sentencing an offender to imprisonment, and to an offender’s sentence, are to be read accordingly.

(2)References in sections 240 and 241 to an offender’s being remanded in custody are references to his being—

(a)remanded in or committed to custody by order of a court,

(b)remanded or committed to local authority accommodation under section 23 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969 (c. 54) and kept in secure accommodation or detained in a secure training centre pursuant to arrangements under subsection (7A) of that section, or

(c)remanded, admitted or removed to hospital under section 35, 36, 38 or 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20).

(3)In subsection (2), “secure accommodation” has the same meaning as in section 23 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1969.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I87S. 242 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

243Persons extradited to the United KingdomE+W

(1)A fixed-term prisoner is an extradited prisoner for the purposes of this section if—

(a)he was tried for the offence in respect of which his sentence was imposed [F124or he received that sentence]—

(i)after having been extradited to the United Kingdom, and

(ii)without having first been restored or had an opportunity of leaving the United Kingdom, and

(b)he was for any period kept in custody while awaiting his extradition to the United Kingdom as mentioned in paragraph (a).

(2)In the case of an extradited prisoner, section 240 has effect as if the days for which he was kept in custody while awaiting extradition were days for which he was remanded in custody in connection with the offence, or any other offence the charge for which was founded on the same facts or evidence.

(3)F125. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I88S. 243 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Release on licenceE+W

244Duty to release prisonersE+W

(1)As soon as a fixed-term prisoner, other than a prisoner to whom section 247 applies, has served the requisite custodial period, it is the duty of the Secretary of State to release him on licence under this section.

(2)Subsection (1) is subject to section 245.

(3)In this section “the requisite custodial period” means—

(a)in relation to a person serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term of twelve months or more or any determinate sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act, one-half of his sentence,

(b)in relation to a person serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than twelve months (other than one to which an intermittent custody order relates), the custodial period within the meaning of section 181,

(c)in relation to a person serving a sentence of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates, any part of the term [F126which for the purposes of section 183 (as read with section 263(2) or 264A(2) in the case of concurrent or consecutive sentences) is not a licence period], and

(d)in relation to a person serving two or more concurrent or consecutive sentences [F127none of which falls within paragraph (c)], the period determined under sections 263(2) and 264(2).

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I89S. 244 partly in force; s. 244 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 244(1)(2)(3)(c)(d) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 244(1)(2)(3)(a)(d) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

245Restrictions on operation of section 244(1) in relation to intermittent custody prisonersE+W

(1)Where an intermittent custody prisoner returns to custody after being unlawfully at large within the meaning of section 49 of the Prison Act 1952 (c. 52) at any time during the currency of his sentence, section 244(1) does not apply until—

(a)the relevant time (as defined in subsection (2)), or

(b)if earlier, the date on which he has served in prison the number of custodial days required by the intermittent custody order.

(2)In subsection (1)(a) “the relevant time” means—

(a)in a case where, within the period of 72 hours beginning with the return to custody of the intermittent custody prisoner, the Secretary of State or the responsible officer has applied to the court for the amendment of the intermittent custody order under paragraph 6(1)(b) of Schedule 10, the date on which the application is withdrawn or determined, and

(b)in any other case, the end of that 72-hour period.

(3)Section 244(1) does not apply in relation to an intermittent custody prisoner at any time after he has been recalled under section 254, unless after his recall the Board has directed his further release on licence.

Commencement Information

I90S. 245 partly in force; s. 245 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 245 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.

246Power to release prisoners on licence before required to do soE+W

(1)Subject to subsections (2) to (4), the Secretary of State may—

(a)release on licence under this section a fixed-term prisoner, other than an intermittent custody prisoner, at any time during the period of 135 days ending with the day on which the prisoner will have served the requisite custodial period, and

(b)release on licence under this section an intermittent custody prisoner when 135 or less of the required custodial days remain to be served.

(2)Subsection (1)(a) does not apply in relation to a prisoner unless—

(a)the length of the requisite custodial period is at least 6 weeks, [F128 and

(b)he has served—

(i)at least 4 weeks of that period, and

(ii)at least one-half of that period.]

(3)Subsection (1)(b) does not apply in relation to a prisoner unless—

(a)the number of required custodial days is at least 42, and

(b)the prisoner has served—

(i)at least 28 of those days, and

(ii)at least one-half of the total number of those days.

(4)Subsection (1) does not apply where—

(a)the sentence is imposed under section 227 or 228,

(b)the sentence is for an offence under section 1 of the Prisoners (Return to Custody) Act 1995 (c. 16),

(c)the prisoner is subject to a hospital order, hospital direction or transfer direction under section 37, 45A or 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20),

(d)the sentence was imposed by virtue of paragraph 9(1)(b) or (c) or 10(1)(b) or (c) of Schedule 8 in a case where the prisoner has failed to comply with a curfew requirement of a community order,

(e)the prisoner is subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42),

(f)the prisoner is liable to removal from the United Kingdom,

(g)the prisoner has been released on licence under this section during the currency of the sentence, and has been recalled to prison under section 255(1)(a),

(h)the prisoner has been released on licence under section 248 during the currency of the sentence, and has been recalled to prison under section 254, or

(i)in the case of a prisoner to whom a direction under section 240 [F129or 240A] relates, the interval between the date on which the sentence was passed and the date on which the prisoner will have served the requisite custodial period is less than 14 days or, where the sentence is one of intermittent custody, the number of the required custodial days remaining to be served is less than 14.

[F130(4A)In subsection (4)—

(a)the reference in paragraph (d) to a community order includes a service community order or overseas community order under the Armed Forces Act 2006; and

(b)the reference in paragraph (i) to a direction under section 240 includes a direction under section 246 of that Act.]

(5)The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)amend the number of days for the time being specified in subsection (1) (a) or (b), (3) or (4)(i),

(b)amend the number of weeks for the time being specified in subsection (2)(a) or (b)(i), and

(c)amend the fraction for the time being specified in subsection (2)(b)(ii) or (3)(b)(ii).

(6)In this section—

  • “the required custodial days”, in relation to an intermittent custody prisoner, means—

    (a)

    the number of custodial days specified under section 183, or

    (b)

    in the case of two or more sentences of intermittent custody [F131which are consecutive], the aggregate of the numbers so specified[F132, or

    (c)

    in the case of two or more sentences of intermittent custody which are wholly or partly concurrent, the aggregate of the numbers so specified less the number of days that are to be served concurrently;]

  • “the requisite custodial period” in relation to a person serving any sentence other than a sentence of intermittent custody, has the meaning given by paragraph (a), (b) or (d) of section 244(3);

  • “sentence of intermittent custody” means a sentence to which an intermittent custody order relates.

Textual Amendments

F128S. 246(2)(b) and word substituted (14.7.2008) for s. 246(2)(b) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 24, 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 11

F130S. 246(4A) inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 221; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F131In s. 246(6) in definition of "the required custodial days" words inserted (31.3.2005) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 31, 60, Sch. 6 para. 3(a); S.I. 2005/579, art. 3(e)

F132In s. 246(6) in definition of "the required custodial days" para. (c) and preceding word inserted (31.3.2005) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 31, 60, Sch. 5 para. 3(b); S.I. 2005/579, art. 3(e)

Commencement Information

I91S. 246 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 246 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 246(1)(b)(3)(4)(b)-(i)(5)(6) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 246(5) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 246 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

247Release on licence of prisoner serving extended sentence under section 227 or 228E+W

(1)This section applies to a prisoner who is serving an extended sentence imposed under section 227 or 228.

(2)As soon as—

(a)a prisoner to whom this section applies has served one-half of the appropriate custodial term, F133. . .

(b)F134. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

(3)F135. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)F136. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)F137. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)F138. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7)In this section “the appropriate custodial term” means the period determined by the court as the appropriate custodial term under section 227 or 228.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I92S. 247 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

248Power to release prisoners on compassionate groundsE+W

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

(2)Before releasing under this section a prisoner to whom section 247 applies, the Secretary of State must consult the Board, unless the circumstances are such as to render such consultation impracticable.

Commencement Information

I93S. 248 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 248 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 248(1) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 248 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

249Duration of licenceE+W

(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (3), where a fixed-term prisoner is released on licence, the licence shall, subject to any revocation under section 254 or 255, remain in force for the remainder of his sentence.

(2)Where an intermittent custody prisoner is released on licence under section 244, the licence shall, subject to any revocation under section 254, remain in force—

(a)until the time when he is required to return to prison at the beginning of the next custodial period of the sentence, or

(b)where it is granted at the end of the last custodial period, for the remainder of his sentence.

(3)Subsection (1) has effect subject to sections 263(2) (concurrent terms) and 264(3) and (4) (consecutive terms) [F139and subsection (2) has effect subject to section 264A(3) (consecutive terms: intermittent custody].

(4)In subsection (2) “custodial period”, in relation to a sentence to which an intermittent custody order relates, means any period which is not a licence period as defined by 183(3).

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I94S. 249 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 249 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 249 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 249 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1) Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

250Licence conditionsE+W

(1)In this section—

(a)“the standard conditions” means such conditions as may be prescribed for the purposes of this section as standard conditions, and

(b)“prescribed” means prescribed by the Secretary of State by order.

(2)Subject to subsection (6) and section 251, any licence under this Chapter in respect of a prisoner serving one or more sentences of imprisonment of less than twelve months and no sentence of twelve months or more—

(a)must include—

(i)the conditions required by the relevant court order, and

(ii)so far as not inconsistent with them, the standard conditions, and

(b)may also include—

(i)any condition which is authorised by section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43) (electronic monitoring) or section 64 of that Act (drug testing requirements) and which is compatible with the conditions required by the relevant court order, and

(ii)such other conditions of a kind prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph as the Secretary of State may for the time being consider to be necessary for the protection of the public and specify in the licence.

[F140(2A)If the sentence (or, if more than one, each sentence) that the prisoner is serving is one in relation to which no custody plus or intermittent custody order is in force, subsection (2) has effect as if there were omitted—

(a)paragraph (a)(i);

(b)the words “so far as not inconsistent with them,” in paragraph (a)(ii); and

(c)the words from “and which” in paragraph (b)(i).]

(3)For the purposes of subsection (2)(a)(i), any reference in the relevant court order to the licence period specified in the order is, in relation to a prohibited activity requirement, exclusion requirement, residence requirement or supervision requirement, to be taken to include a reference to any other period during which the prisoner is released on licence under section 246 or 248.

(4)Any licence under this Chapter in respect of a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term of twelve months or more (including such a sentence imposed under section 227) or any sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act or section 228 of this Act—

(a)must include the standard conditions, and

(b)may include—

(i)any condition authorised by section 62 or 64 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 [F141or section 28 of the Offender Management Act 2007] , and

(ii)such other conditions of a kind prescribed by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this paragraph as the Secretary of State may for the time being specify in the licence.

(5)A licence under section 246 must also include a curfew condition complying with section 253.

(6)Where—

(a)a licence under section 246 is granted to a prisoner serving one or more sentences of imprisonment of less than 12 months and no sentence of 12 months or more, and

(b)the relevant court order requires the licence to be granted subject to a condition requiring his compliance with a curfew requirement (as defined by section 204),

that condition is not to be included in the licence at any time while a curfew condition required by section 253 is in force.

(7)The preceding provisions of this section have effect subject to section 263(3) (concurrent terms) [F142, section 264(3) and (4) (consecutive terms) and section 264A(3) (consecutive terms: intermittent custody)].

(8)In exercising his powers to prescribe standard conditions or the other conditions referred to in subsection (4)(b)(ii), the Secretary of State must have regard to the following purposes of the supervision of offenders while on licence under this Chapter—

(a)the protection of the public,

(b)the prevention of re-offending, and

(c)securing the successful re-integration of the prisoner into the community.

Textual Amendments

F140S. 250(2A) inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 222; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F141Words in s. 250(4)(b)(i) inserted (temp. from 19.1.2009 until 31.3.2012 for certain purposes, otherwise prosp. ) by Offender Management Act 2007 (c. 21), ss. 28(5), 41(1); S.I. 2009/32, arts. 3(a), 4, 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C78S. 250(1) applied (9.6.2008 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53), s. 37ZA(2) (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 26(6) (with Sch. 27 para. 8); S.I. 2008/1466, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3, 4); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(b))

C80S. 250(4) applied (9.6.2008 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53), s. 37ZA(2) (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 26(6) (with Sch. 27 para. 8); S.I. 2008/1466, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3, 4); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(b))

C81S. 250(4) applied (with modifications) (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice Act1991 (c. 53), s. 50A(5)(6)(b)(8) (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 32(1), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18)

C82S. 250(8) applied (9.6.2008 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53), s. 37ZA(2) (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 26(6) (with Sch. 27 para. 8); S.I. 2008/1466, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3, 4); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(b))

Commencement Information

I95S. 250 partly in force; s. 250 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 250(1)-(3)(5)-(8) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 250(1)(2)(b)(ii)(4)(b)(ii)(8) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 250(1)(4)-(7) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

251Licence conditions on re-release of prisoner serving sentence of less than 12 monthsE+W

(1)In relation to any licence under this Chapter which is granted to a prisoner serving one or more sentences of imprisonment of less than twelve months and no sentence of twelve months or more on his release in pursuance of a decision of the Board under section 254 or 256, subsections (2) and (3) apply instead of section 250(2).

(2)The licence—

(a)must include the standard conditions, and

(b)may include—

(i)any condition authorised by section 62 or 64 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43), and

(ii)such other conditions of a kind prescribed by the Secretary of State for the purposes of section 250(4)(b)(ii) as the Secretary of State may for the time being specify in the licence.

(3)In exercising his powers under subsection (2)(b)(ii), the Secretary of State must have regard to the terms of the relevant court order [F143(if any)].

(4)In this section “the standard conditions” has the same meaning as in section 250.

Textual Amendments

F143Words in s. 251(3) added (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 223; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I96S. 251 partly in force; s. 251 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 251 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.

252Duty to comply with licence conditionsE+W

[F144(1)]A person subject to a licence under this Chapter must comply with such conditions as may for the time being be specified in the licence.

[F145(2)But where—

(a)the licence relates to a sentence of imprisonment passed by a service court,

(b)no custody plus order was made in relation to the sentence, or such an order was made but subsequently revoked, and

(c)the person is residing outside the British Islands,

the conditions specified in the licence apply to him only so far as it is practicable for him to comply with them where he is residing.]

Textual Amendments

F144S. 252 renumbered (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) as s. 252(1) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 224(1); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F145S. 252(2) inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 224(2); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I97S. 252 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 252 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 252 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 252 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I 2005/950, {art. 2(1)}, Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

253Curfew condition to be included in licence under section 246E+W

(1)For the purposes of this Chapter, a curfew condition is a condition which—

(a)requires the released person to remain, for periods for the time being specified in the condition, at a place for the time being so specified (which may be premises approved by the Secretary of State under [F146section 13 of the Offender Management Act 2007 (c.21)]), and

(b)includes requirements for securing the electronic monitoring of his whereabouts during the periods for the time being so specified.

(2)The curfew condition may specify different places or different periods for different days, but may not specify periods which amount to less than 9 hours in any one day (excluding for this purpose the first and last days of the period for which the condition is in force).

(3)The curfew condition is to remain in force until the date when the released person would (but for his release) fall to be released on licence under section 244.

(4)Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to a released person to whom an intermittent custody order relates; and in relation to such a person the curfew condition is to remain in force until the number of days during which it has been in force is equal to the number of the required custodial days, as defined in section 246(6), that remained to be served at the time when he was released under section 246.

(5)The curfew condition must include provision for making a person responsible for monitoring the released person’s whereabouts during the periods for the time being specified in the condition; and a person who is made so responsible shall be of a description specified in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(6)Nothing in this section is to be taken to require the Secretary of State to ensure that arrangements are made for the electronic monitoring of released persons' whereabouts in any particular part of England and Wales.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I98S. 253 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 253 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 253 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 253(5) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 253 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Recall after releaseE+W

254Recall of prisoners while on licenceE+W

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

(2)A person recalled to prison under subsection (1)—

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

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

(3)F147. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)F147. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)F147. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)On the revocation of the licence of any person under this section, he shall be liable to be detained in pursuance of his sentence and, if at large, is to be treated as being unlawfully at large.

(7)Nothing in [F148this section] applies in relation to a person recalled under section 255.

Textual Amendments

F147S. 254(3)-(5) repealed (14.7.2008 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 29(1)(a), 149, 153, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 paras. 15, 50(2)(c) (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(c)

F148Words in s. 254(7) substituted (14.7.2008 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009 ) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 29(1)(b), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 15 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3); S.I. 2009/2606 {art. 3(c)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C85S. 254(1) modified (9.6.2008 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53), s. 37ZA(4) (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), s. 26(6) (with Sch. 27 para. 8); S.I. 2008/1466, art. 2 (subject to arts. 3, 4); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(b))

Commencement Information

I99S. 254 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 254 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 254 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 254 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2 (as amended by S.I. 2005/2122, art. 2))

255Recall of prisoners released early under section 246E+W

(1)If it appears to the Secretary of State, as regards a person released on licence under section 246—

(a)that he has failed to comply with any condition included in his licence, or

(b)that his whereabouts can no longer be electronically monitored at the place for the time being specified in the curfew condition included in his licence,

the Secretary of State may, if the curfew condition is still in force, revoke the licence and recall the person to prison under this section.

(2)A person whose licence under section 246 is revoked under this section—

(a)may make representations in writing with respect to the revocation, and

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

(3)The Secretary of State, after considering any representations under subsection (2)(b) or any other matters, may cancel a revocation under this section.

(4)Where the revocation of a person’s licence is cancelled under subsection (3), the person is to be treated for the purposes of section 246 as if he had not been recalled to prison under this section.

(5)On the revocation of a person’s licence under section 246, he is liable to be detained in pursuance of his sentence and, if at large, is to be treated as being unlawfully at large.

Commencement Information

I100S. 255 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 255 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 255 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 255 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

[F149255AFurther release after recall: introductoryE+W

(1)This section applies for the purpose of identifying which of sections 255B to 255D governs the further release of a person who has been recalled under section 254 (“the prisoner”).

(2)The prisoner is eligible to be considered for automatic release unless—

(a)he is an extended sentence prisoner or a specified offence prisoner;

(b)in a case where paragraph (a) does not apply, he was recalled under section 254 before the normal entitlement date (having been released before that date under section 246 or 248); or

(c)in a case where neither of the preceding paragraphs applies, he has, during the same term of imprisonment, already been released under section 255B(1)(b) or (2) or section 255C(2).

(3)If the prisoner is eligible to be considered for automatic release the Secretary of State must, on recalling him, consider whether he is suitable for automatic release.

(4)For this purpose “automatic release” means release at the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the prisoner is returned to prison.

(5)The person is suitable for automatic release only if the Secretary of State is satisfied that he will not present a risk of serious harm to members of the public if he is released at the end of that period.

(6)The prisoner must be dealt with—

(a)in accordance with section 255B if he is eligible to be considered for automatic release and is suitable for automatic release;

(b)in accordance with section 255C if he is eligible to be considered for automatic release but was not considered to be suitable for it;

(c)in accordance with section 255C if he is a specified offence prisoner or if he is not eligible to be considered for automatic release by virtue of subsection (2)(b) or (c);

(d)in accordance with section 255D if he is an extended sentence prisoner.

(7)The prisoner is an “extended sentence prisoner” if he is serving an extended sentence imposed under section 227 or 228 of this Act, section 58 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 or section 85 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000.

(8)The prisoner is a “specified offence prisoner” if (not being an extended sentence prisoner) he is serving a sentence imposed for a specified offence within the meaning of section 224.

(9)The reference in subsection (8) to a specified offence (within the meaning of section 224) includes a reference to—

(a)an offence under section 70 of the Army Act 1955, section 70 of the Air Force Act 1955 or section 42 of the Naval Discipline Act 1957 as respects which the corresponding civil offence (within the meaning of the Act in question) is a specified offence, and

(b)an offence under section 42 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 as respects which the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales (within the meaning given by that section) is a specified offence.

(10)Section 48 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (attempts, conspiracy etc.) applies for the purposes of subsection (9)(b) as if the reference in subsection (3)(b) of that section to any of the following provisions of that Act were a reference to subsection (9)(b).

(11)In subsection (2)(b) the “normal entitlement date” means the date on which the prisoner would (but for his earlier release) have been entitled to be released under section 244.

(12)For the purposes of subsection (2)(c) terms of imprisonment which are consecutive and terms which are wholly or partly concurrent are to be treated as a single term if—

(a)the sentences were passed on the same occasion, or

(b)where they were passed on different occasions, the prisoner has not been released under this Chapter at any time during the period beginning with the first and ending with the last of those occasions.

(13)In subsection (5) “serious harm” means death or serious personal injury, whether physical or psychological.

(14)In this section, “term of imprisonment” includes a determinate sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act or under section 228 of this Act.

Textual Amendments

F149Ss. 255A-255D inserted (14.7.2008 save insofar as the amending provision inserts subsections (9) and (10) of section 255A and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 29(2), 153 (with Sch. 27 para. 11); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 15 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

255BAutomatic releaseE+W

(1)A prisoner who is suitable for automatic release must—

(a)on his return to prison, be informed that he will be released under this subsection, and

(b)at the end of the 28 day period mentioned in section 255A(4) (or such other period as is specified for the purposes of that subsection), be released by the Secretary of State on licence under this Chapter (unless he has already been released under subsection (2)).

(2)The Secretary of State may, at any time after a prisoner who is suitable for automatic release is returned to prison, release him again on licence under this Chapter.

(3)The Secretary of State must not release a person under subsection (2) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is not necessary for the protection of the public that he should remain in prison until the end of the period mentioned in subsection (1)(b).

(4)If a prisoner who is suitable for automatic release makes representations under section 254(2) before the end of that period, the Secretary of State must refer his case to the Board on the making of those representations.

(5)Where on a reference under subsection (4) relating to any person the Board recommends his immediate release on licence under this Chapter, the Secretary of State must give effect to the recommendation.

(6)In the case of an intermittent custody prisoner who has not yet served in prison the number of custodial days specified in the intermittent custody order, any recommendation by the Board as to immediate release on licence is to be a recommendation as to his release on licence until the end of one of the licence periods specified by virtue of section 183(1)(b) in the intermittent custody order.

Textual Amendments

F149Ss. 255A-255D inserted (14.7.2008 save insofar as the amending provision inserts subsections (9) and (10) of section 255A and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 29(2), 153 (with Sch. 27 para. 11); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 15 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

255CSpecified offence prisoners and those not suitable for automatic releaseE+W

(1)This section applies to a prisoner who—

(a)is a specified offence prisoner,

(b)is not eligible to be considered for automatic release by virtue of section 255A(2)(b) or (c), or

(c)was eligible to be considered for automatic release but was not considered to be suitable for it.

(2)The Secretary of State may, at any time after the person is returned to prison, release him again on licence under this Chapter.

(3)The Secretary of State must not release a person under subsection (2) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is not necessary for the protection of the public that he should remain in prison.

(4)The Secretary of State must refer to the Board the case of any person to whom this section applies—

(a)if the person makes representations under section 254(2) before the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which he is returned to prison, on the making of those representations, or

(b)if, at the end of that period, the person has not been released under subsection (2) and has not made such representations, at that time.

(5)Where on a reference under subsection (4) relating to any person the Board recommends his immediate release on licence under this Chapter, the Secretary of State must give effect to the recommendation.

(6)In the case of an intermittent custody prisoner who has not yet served in prison the number of custodial days specified in the intermittent custody order, any recommendation by the Board as to immediate release on licence is to be a recommendation as to his release on licence until the end of one of the licence periods specified by virtue of section 183(1)(b) in the intermittent custody order.

Textual Amendments

F149Ss. 255A-255D inserted (14.7.2008 save insofar as the amending provision inserts subsections (9) and (10) of section 255A and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 29(2), 153 (with Sch. 27 para. 11); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 15 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

255DExtended sentence prisonersE+W

(1)The Secretary of State must refer to the Board the case of any extended sentence prisoner.

(2)Where on a reference under subsection (1) relating to any person the Board recommends his immediate release on licence under this Chapter, the Secretary of State must give effect to the recommendation.]

Textual Amendments

F149Ss. 255A-255D inserted (14.7.2008 save insofar as the amending provision inserts subsections (9) and (10) of section 255A and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 29(2), 153 (with Sch. 27 para. 11); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 15 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

256[F150Review by the Board]E+W

(1)Where on a reference under [F151section 255B(4), 255C(4) or 255D(1)] in relation to any person, the Board does not recommend his immediate release on licence under this Chapter, the Board must either—

(a)fix a date for the person’s release on licence, or

[F152(b)determine the reference by making no recommendation as to his release.]

(2)Any date fixed under subsection (1)(a) F153. . . must not be later than the first anniversary of the date on which the decision is taken.

(3)F154. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)Where the Board has fixed a date under subsection (1)(a), it is the duty of the Secretary of State to release him on licence on that date.

(5)F155. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F151Words in s. 256(1) substituted (14.7.2008 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 29(3), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 15 (subject to Sch. 2 para. 3); S.I. 2009/2606, art. 3(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C93Ss. 255A-256A applied (with modifications) (14.7.2008) by 1991 (c. 53), s. 50A(3)(4) as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 32(1), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18

Commencement Information

I101S. 256 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 256 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 256 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 256 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

[F156256AFurther reviewE+W

(1)The Secretary of State must, not later than the first anniversary of a determination by the Board under section 256(1) or subsection (4) below, refer the person's case to the Board.

(2)The Secretary of State may, at any time before that anniversary, refer the person's case to the Board.

(3)The Board may at any time recommend to the Secretary of State that a person's case be referred under subsection (2).

(4)On a reference under subsection (1) or (2), the Board must determine the reference by—

(a)recommending the person's immediate release on licence under this Chapter,

(b)fixing a date for his release on licence, or

(c)making no recommendation as to his release.

(5)The Secretary of State—

(a)where the Board makes a recommendation under subsection (4)(a) for the person's immediate release on licence, must give effect to the recommendation; and

(b)where the Board fixes a release date under subsection (4)(b), must release the person on licence on that date.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C94Ss. 255A-256A applied (with modifications) (14.7.2008) by 1991 (c. 53), s. 50A(3)(4) as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 32(1), 153; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 18

Additional daysE+W

257Additional days for disciplinary offencesE+W

(1)Prison rules, that is to say, rules made under section 47 of the Prison Act 1952 (c. 52), may include provision for the award of additional days—

(a)to fixed-term prisoners, or

(b)conditionally on their subsequently becoming such prisoners, to persons on remand,

who (in either case) are guilty of disciplinary offences.

(2)Where additional days are awarded to a fixed-term prisoner, or to a person on remand who subsequently becomes such a prisoner, and are not remitted in accordance with prison rules—

(a)any period which he must serve before becoming entitled to or eligible for release under this Chapter,

(b)any period which he must serve before he can be removed from prison under section 260, and

(c)any period for which a licence granted to him under this Chapter remains in force,

is extended by the aggregate of those additional days.

Commencement Information

I102S. 257 partly in force; s. 257 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 257 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 257(1) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 257(1)(2)(a)(b) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Fine defaulters and contemnorsE+W

258Early release of fine defaulters and contemnorsE+W

(1)This section applies in relation to a person committed to prison—

(a)in default of payment of a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction, or

(b)for contempt of court or any kindred offence.

(2)As soon as a person to whom this section applies has served one-half of the term for which he was committed, it is the duty of the Secretary of State to release him unconditionally.

(3)Where a person to whom this section applies is also serving one or more sentences of imprisonment, nothing in this section requires the Secretary of State to release him until he is also required to release him in respect of that sentence or each of those sentences.

(4)The Secretary of State may at any time release unconditionally a person to whom this section applies if he is satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist which justify the person’s release on compassionate grounds.

Commencement Information

I103S. 258 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Persons liable to removal from the United KingdomE+W

259Persons liable to removal from the United KingdomE+W

For the purposes of this Chapter a person is liable to removal from the United Kingdom if—

(a)he is liable to deportation under section 3(5) of the Immigration Act 1971 (c. 77) and has been notified of a decision to make a deportation order against him,

(b)he is liable to deportation under section 3(6) of that Act,

(c)he has been notified of a decision to refuse him leave to enter the United Kingdom,

(d)he is an illegal entrant within the meaning of section 33(1) of that Act, or

(e)he is liable to removal under section 10 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33).

Commencement Information

I104S. 259 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 259 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 259 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 259 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Prospective

[F157259APersons eligible for removal from the United KingdomE+W

(1)For the purposes of this Chapter, to be “eligible for removal from the United Kingdom” a person must show, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State, that the condition in subsection (2) is met.

(2)The condition is that the person has the settled intention of residing permanently outside the United Kingdom if removed from prison under section 260.

(3)The person must not be one who is liable to removal from the United Kingdom.]

Textual Amendments

260Early removal of prisoners liable to removal from United KingdomE+W

(1)[F158subsection (2)], where a fixed-term prisoner is liable to removal from the United Kingdom, the Secretary of State may remove him from prison under this section at any time during the period of [F159270] days ending with the day on which the prisoner will have served the requisite custodial period.

[F160(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a prisoner unless he has served at least one-half of the requisite custodial period.]

(3)F161. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3A)F162. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)A prisoner removed from prison under this section—

(a) is so removed only for the purpose of enabling the Secretary of State to remove him 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 (c. 33), and

(b)so long as remaining in the United Kingdom, remains liable to be detained in pursuance of his sentence until he has served the requisite custodial period.

(5)So long as a prisoner 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 244 or 248 is exercisable in relation to him as if he were in prison.

(6)The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)amend the number of days for the time being specified in subsection (1) F163. . . ,

(b)F164. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c)amend the fraction for the time being specified in [F165subsection (2)].

[F166(7)In this section “requisite custodial period”—

(a)in relation to a prisoner serving an extended sentence imposed under section 227 or 228, means one-half of the appropriate custodial term (determined by the court under that section);

(b)in any other case, has the meaning given by paragraph (a), (b) or (d) of section 244(3).]

Textual Amendments

F158Words in s. 260(1) substituted (3.11.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 34(4)(a), 153; S.I. 2008/2712, art. 2, Sch. para. 5 (subject to arts. 3, 4)

F159Word in s. 260(1) substituted (7.4.2008) by The Early Removal of Fixed-Term Prisoners (Amendment of Eligibility Period) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/978), art. 2

F165Words in s. 260(6)(c) substituted (3.11.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 34(8)(c), 153; S.I. 2008/2712, art. 2, Sch. para. 5 (subject to arts. 3, 4)

Commencement Information

I105S. 260 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 260 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 260(6) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2; s. 260 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

261Re-entry into United Kingdom of offender removed from prison earlyE+W

(1)This section applies in relation to a person who, after being removed from prison under section 260, has been removed from the United Kingdom before he has served the requisite custodial period.

(2)If a person to whom this section applies enters the United Kingdom at any time before his sentence expiry date, he is liable to be detained in pursuance of his sentence from the time of his entry into the United Kingdom until whichever is the earlier of the following—

(a)the end of a period (“the further custodial period”) beginning with that time and equal in length to the outstanding custodial period, and

(b)his sentence expiry date.

(3)A person who is liable to be detained by virtue of subsection (2) is, if at large, to be taken for the purposes of section 49 of the Prison Act 1952 (c. 52) (persons unlawfully at large) to be unlawfully at large.

(4)Subsection (2) does not prevent the further removal from the United Kingdom of a person falling within that subsection.

(5)Where, in the case of a person returned to prison by virtue of subsection (2), the further custodial period ends before the sentence expiry date, section 244 has effect in relation to him as if the reference to the requisite custodial period were a reference to the further custodial period.

(6)In this section—

  • “further custodial period” has the meaning given by subsection (2)(a);

  • “outstanding custodial period”, in relation to a person to whom this section applies, means the period beginning with the date of his removal from the United Kingdom and ending with the date on which he would, but for his removal, have served the requisite custodial period;

  • “requisite custodial period” has the meaning given by paragraph (a), (b) or (d) of section 244(3);

  • “sentence expiry date”, in relation to a person to whom this section applies, means the date on which, but for his removal from the United Kingdom, he would have ceased to be subject to a licence.

Commencement Information

I106S. 261 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

262Prisoners liable to removal from United Kingdom: modifications of Criminal Justice Act 1991E+W

Part 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53) (early release of prisoners) shall (until the coming into force of its repeal by this Act) have effect subject to the modifications set out in Schedule 20 (which relate to persons liable to removal from the United Kingdom).

Consecutive or concurrent termsE+W

263Concurrent termsE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person (“the offender”) has been sentenced F167. . . to two or more terms of imprisonment which are wholly or partly concurrent, and

(b)the sentences were passed on the same occasion or, where they were passed on different occasions, the person has not been released under this Chapter at any time during the period beginning with the first and ending with the last of those occasions.

(2)Where this section applies—

(a)nothing in this Chapter requires the Secretary of State to release the offender in respect of any of the terms unless and until he is required to release him in respect of each of the others,

(b)section 244 does not authorise the Secretary of State to release him on licence under that section in respect of any of the terms unless and until that section authorises the Secretary of State to do so in respect of each of the others,

(c)on and after his release under this Chapter the offender is to be on licence for so long, and subject to such conditions, as is required by this Chapter in respect of any of the sentences.

(3)Where the sentences include one or more sentences of twelve months or more and one or more sentences of less than twelve months, the terms of the licence may be determined by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 250(4)(b), without regard to the requirements of any custody plus order or intermittent custody order.

(4)In this section “term of imprisonment” includes a determinate sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act or under section 228 of this Act.

Textual Amendments

F167Words in s. 263(1)(a) repealed (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 226, Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I107S. 263 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 263 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 263 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 263 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

264Consecutive termsE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person (“the offender”) has been sentenced to two or more terms of imprisonment which are to be served consecutively on each other, and

(b)the sentences were passed on the same occasion or, where they were passed on different occasions, the person has not been released under this Chapter at any time during the period beginning with the first and ending with the last of those occasions[F168, and

(c)none of those terms is a term to which an intermittent custody order relates.]

(2)Nothing in this Chapter requires the Secretary of State to release the offender on licence until he has served a period equal in length to the aggregate of the length of the custodial periods in relation to each of the terms of imprisonment.

(3)Where any of the terms of imprisonment is a term of twelve months or more, the offender is, on and after his release under this Chapter, to be on licence—

(a)until he would, but for his release, have served a term equal in length to the aggregate length of the terms of imprisonment, and

(b)subject to such conditions as are required by this Chapter in respect of each of those terms of imprisonment.

(4)Where each of the terms of imprisonment is a term of less than twelve months, the offender is, on and after his release under this Chapter, to be on licence until the relevant time, and subject to such conditions as are required by this Chapter in respect of any of the terms of imprisonment, and none of the terms is to be regarded for any purpose as continuing after the relevant time.

(5)In subsection (4) “the relevant time” means the time when the offender would, but for his release, have served a term equal in length to the aggregate of—

(a)all the custodial periods in relation to the terms of imprisonment, and

(b)the longest of the licence periods in relation to those terms.

(6)In this section—

(a)“custodial period”—

(i)in relation to an extended sentence imposed under section 227 or 228, means [F169one-half of] the appropriate custodial term determined under that section,

(ii)in relation to a term of twelve months or more, means one-half of the term, and

(iii)in relation to a term of less than twelve months complying with section 181, means the custodial period as defined by subsection (3)(a) of that section;

(b)“licence period”, in relation to a term of less than twelve months complying with section 181, has the meaning given by subsection (3)(b) of that section.

(7)This section applies to a determinate sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act or under section 228 of this Act as it applies to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I108S. 264 partly in force; s. 264 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 264 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 264(1)-(3)(6)(7) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

[F170264AConsecutive terms: intermittent custodyE+W

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person (“the offender”) has been sentenced to two or more terms of imprisonment which are to be served consecutively on each other,

(b)the sentences were passed on the same occasion or, where they were passed on different occasions, the person has not been released under this Chapter at any time during the period beginning with the first and ending with the last of those occasions, and

(c)each of the terms is a term to which an intermittent custody order relates.

(2)The offender is not to be treated as having served all the required custodial days in relation to any of the terms of imprisonment until he has served the aggregate of all the required custodial days in relation to each of them.

(3)After the number of days served by the offender in prison is equal to the aggregate of the required custodial days in relation to each of the terms of imprisonment, the offender is to be on licence until the relevant time and subject to such conditions as are required by this Chapter in respect of any of the terms of imprisonment. F171. . . .

(4)In subsection (3) “the relevant time” means the time when the offender would, but for his release, have served a term equal in length to the aggregate of—

(a)all the required custodial days in relation to the terms of imprisonment, and

(b)[F172all the] licence periods in relation to those terms.

(5)In this section—

  • [F173 “licence period” has the same meaning as in section 183(3);]

  • “the required custodial days”, in relation to such a term, means the number of days specified under that section.]

Textual Amendments

Restriction on consecutive sentences for released prisonersE+W

265Restriction on consecutive sentences for released prisonersE+W

(1)A court sentencing a person to a term of imprisonment may not order or direct that the term is to commence on the expiry of any other sentence of imprisonment from which he has been released

[F174(a)under this Chapter; or

(b)under Part 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991.]

[F175(1A)Subsection (1) applies to a court sentencing a person to—

(a)a term of imprisonment for an offence committed before 4 April 2005, or

(b)a term of imprisonment of less than 12 months for an offence committed on or after that date,

as it applies to the imposition of any other term of imprisonment.

(1B)Where an intermittent custody order applies to the other sentence, the reference in subsection (1) to release under this Chapter does not include release by virtue of section 183(1)(b)(i) (periods of temporary release on licence before the custodial days specified under section 183(1)(a) have been served).]

(2)In this section “sentence of imprisonment” includes a sentence of detention under section 91 of the Sentencing Act or section 228 of this Act, and “term of imprisonment” is to be read accordingly.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I109S. 265 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 265 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 265 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 265 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to saving in art. 2(2), Sch. 2 para. 14) (which saving fell (14.7.2008) by virtue of the amendment of S.I. 2005/950, Sch. 2 para. 14 by 2008 (c. 4), ss. 148, 153, {Sch. 26 para. 78}); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 48(s)

Prospective

Drug testing requirementsE+W

F176266Release on licence etc: drug testing requirementsE+W

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

Textual Amendments

SupplementalE+W

267Alteration by order of relevant proportion of sentenceE+W

The Secretary of State may by order provide that any reference in section 244(3)(a), section 247(2) or section 264(6)(a)(ii) to a particular proportion of a prisoner’s sentence is to be read as a reference to such other proportion of a prisoner’s sentence as may be specified in the order.

268Interpretation of Chapter 6E+W

In this Chapter—

  • “the 1997 Act” means the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c. 43);

  • “the Board” means the Parole Board;

  • “fixed-term prisoner” has the meaning given by section 237(1) [F177(as extended by section 237(1B))];

  • “intermittent custody prisoner” means a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates;

  • “prison” and “prisoner” are to be read in accordance with section 237(2);

  • “release”, in relation to a prisoner serving a sentence of imprisonment to which an intermittent custody order relates, includes temporary release;

  • “relevant court order”, in relation to a person serving a sentence of imprisonment to which a custody plus order or intermittent custody order relates, means that order.

Textual Amendments

F177S. 268: words in definition of "fixed-term prisoner" inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 227; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Commencement Information

I110S. 268 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 268 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 268 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 268 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 19 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Chapter 7E+WEffect of life sentence

269Determination of minimum term in relation to mandatory life sentenceE+W

(1)This section applies where after the commencement of this section a court passes a life sentence in circumstances where the sentence is fixed by law.

(2)The court must, unless it makes an order under subsection (4), order that the provisions of section 28(5) to (8) of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (referred to in this Chapter as “the early release provisions”) are to apply to the offender as soon as he has served the part of his sentence which is specified in the order.

(3)The part of his sentence is to be such as the court considers appropriate taking into account—

(a)the seriousness of the offence, or of the combination of the offence and any one or more offences associated with it, and

(b)the effect of any direction which it would have given under section 240 (crediting periods of remand in custody) [F178or under section 246 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (equivalent provision for service courts)][F179or under section 240A (crediting periods of remand on bail spent subject to certain types of condition)] if it had sentenced him to a term of imprisonment.

(4)If the offender was 21 or over when he committed the offence and 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 subsection (2), the court must order that the early release provisions are not to apply to the offender.

(5)In considering under subsection (3) or (4) the seriousness of an offence (or of the combination of an offence and one or more offences associated with it), the court must have regard to—

(a)the general principles set out in Schedule 21, and

(b)any guidelines relating to offences in general which are relevant to the case and are not incompatible with the provisions of Schedule 21.

(6)The Secretary of State may by order amend Schedule 21.

(7)Before making an order under subsection (6), the Secretary of State shall consult the Sentencing Guidelines Council.

Textual Amendments

F178Words in s. 269(3)(b) inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 228; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

270Duty to give reasonsE+W

(1)Any court making an order under subsection (2) or (4) of section 269 must state in open court, in ordinary language, its reasons for deciding on the order made.

(2)In stating its reasons the court must, in particular—

(a)state which of the starting points in Schedule 21 it has chosen and its reasons for doing so, and

(b)state its reasons for any departure from that starting point.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

271AppealsE+W

(1)In section 9 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 (c. 19) (appeal against sentence following conviction on indictment), after subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A)In subsection (1) of this section, the reference to a sentence fixed by law does not include a reference to an order made under subsection (2) or (4) of section 269 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 in relation to a life sentence (as defined in section 277 of that Act) that is fixed by law.”.

(2)In section 8 of the Courts-Martial (Appeals) Act 1968 (c. 20) (right of appeal from court-martial to Courts-Martial Appeal Court) after subsection (1) there is inserted—

“((1ZA))In subsection (1) above, the reference to a sentence fixed by law does not include a reference to an order made under subsection (2) or (4) of section 269 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 in relation to a life sentence (as defined in section 277 of that Act) that is fixed by law.”.

272Review of minimum term on a reference by Attorney GeneralE+W

(1)In section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33) (reviews of sentencing) after subsection (3) there is inserted—

“(3A)Where a reference under this section relates to an order under subsection (2) of section 269 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (determination of minimum term in relation to mandatory life sentence), the Court of Appeal shall not, in deciding what order under that section is appropriate for the case, make any allowance for the fact that the person to whom it relates is being sentenced for a second time.”.

(2)F180. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)F180. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F180S. 272(2)(3) repealed (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 229, Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

273Life prisoners transferred to England and WalesE+W

(1)The Secretary of State must refer the case of any transferred life prisoner to the High Court for the making of one or more relevant orders.

(2)In subsection (1) “transferred life prisoner” means a person—

(a)on whom a court in a country or territory outside the British Islands has imposed one or more sentences of imprisonment or detention for an indeterminate period, and

(b)who has been transferred to England and Wales after the commencement of this section in pursuance of—

(i)an order made by the Secretary of State under section 2 of the Colonial Prisoners Removal Act 1884 (c. 31), or

(ii)a warrant issued by the Secretary of State under the Repatriation of Prisoners Act 1984 (c. 47),

there to serve his sentence or sentences or the remainder of his sentence or sentences.

(3)In subsection (1) “a relevant order” means—

(a)in the case of an offence which appears to the court to be an offence for which, if it had been committed in England and Wales, the sentence would have been fixed by law, an order under subsection (2) or (4) of section 269, and

(b)in any other case, an order under subsection (2) or (4) of section 82A of the Sentencing Act.

(4)In section 34(1) of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c. 43) (meaning of “life prisoner” in Chapter 2 of Part 2 of that Act) at the end there is inserted “ and includes a transferred life prisoner as defined by section 273 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 ”.

[F181(5)The reference in subsection (2)(b) above to a person who has been transferred to England and Wales in pursuance of a warrant issued under the Repatriation of Prisoners Act 1984 includes a reference to a person who is detained in England and Wales in pursuance of a warrant under section 4A of that Act (warrant transferring responsibility for detention and release of offender).]

Textual Amendments

274Further provisions about references relating to transferred life prisonersE+W

(1)A reference to the High Court under section 273 is to be determined by a single judge of that court without an oral hearing.

(2)In relation to a reference under that section, any reference to “the court” in subsections (2) to (5) of section 269, in Schedule 21 or in section 82A(2) to (4) of the Sentencing Act is to be read as a reference to the High Court.

(3)A person in respect of whom a reference has been made under section 273 may with the leave of the Court of Appeal appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision of the High Court on the reference.

(4)Section 1(1) of the Administration of Justice Act 1960 (c. 65) (appeal to [F182Supreme Court] from decision of High Court in a criminal cause or matter) and section 18(1)(a) of the Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54) (exclusion of appeal from High Court to Court of Appeal in a criminal cause or matter) do not apply in relation to a decision to which subsection (3) applies.

(5)The jurisdiction conferred on the Court of Appeal by subsection (3) is to be exercised by the criminal division of that court.

(6)Section 33(3) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 (c. 19) (limitation on appeal from criminal division of Court of Appeal) does not prevent an appeal to the [F182Supreme Court] under this section.

(7)In relation to appeals to the Court of Appeal or the [F182Supreme Court] under this section, the Secretary of State may make an order containing provision corresponding to any provision in the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 (subject to any specified modifications).

Textual Amendments

275Duty to release certain life prisonersE+W

(1)Section 28 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c. 43) (duty to release certain life prisoners) is amended as follows.

(2)For subsection (1A) there is substituted—

“(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.”

(3)In subsection (1B)(a)—

(a)for the words from the beginning to “applies” there is substituted “ this section does not apply to him ”, and

(b)for the words from “such an order” to “appropriate stage” there is substituted “ a minimum term order has been made in respect of each of those sentences ”.

(4)After subsection (8) there is inserted—

“(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).”.

276Mandatory life sentences: transitional casesE+W

Schedule 22 (which relates to the effect in transitional cases of mandatory life sentences) shall have effect.

277Interpretation of Chapter 7E+W

In this Chapter—

  • “court” includes [F183the Court Martial];

  • “guidelines” has the same meaning as in section 172(1);

  • “life sentence” means—

    (a)

    a sentence of imprisonment for life,

    (b)

    a sentence of detention during Her Majesty’s pleasure, or

    (c)

    a sentence of custody for life passed before the commencement of section 61(1) of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43) (which abolishes that sentence).

Textual Amendments

F183S. 277: words in definition of "court" substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes, and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 230; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Chapter 8U.K.Other provisions about sentencing

Deferment of sentenceE+W

278Deferment of sentenceE+W

Schedule 23 (deferment of sentence) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I111S. 278 wholly in force at 4.4.2005, see s. 336(3) and S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 20 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

Power to include drug treatment and testing requirement in certain orders in respect of young offendersE+W

279Drug treatment and testing requirement in action plan order or supervision orderE+W

Schedule 24 (which enables a requirement as to drug treatment and testing to be included in an action plan order or a supervision order) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I112S. 279 partly in force; s. 279 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 279 in force for certain purposes at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3033, art. 2(1)(2) (subject to art. 2(3)(4))

Alteration of penalties for offencesE+W+S

Prospective

280Alteration of penalties for specified summary offencesE+W

(1)The summary offences listed in Schedule 25 are no longer punishable with imprisonment.

(2)Schedule 26 (which contains amendments increasing the maximum term of imprisonment for certain summary offences from 4 months or less to 51 weeks) shall have effect.

(3)This section does not affect the penalty for any offence committed before the commencement of this section.

Valid from 14/07/2022

281Alteration of penalties for other summary offencesE+W

(1)Subsection (2) applies to any summary offence which—

(a)is an offence under a relevant enactment,

(b)is punishable with a maximum term of imprisonment of five months or less, and

(c)is not listed in Schedule 25 or Schedule 26.

(2)The Secretary of State may by order amend any relevant enactment so as to—

(a)provide that any summary offence to which this subsection applies is no longer punishable with imprisonment, or

(b)increase to 51 weeks the maximum term of imprisonment to which a person is liable on conviction of the offence.

(3)An order under subsection (2) may make such supplementary, incidental or consequential provision as the Secretary of State considers necessary or expedient, including provision amending any relevant enactment.

(4)Subsection (5) applies to any summary offence which—

(a)is an offence under a relevant enactment, and

(b)is punishable with a maximum term of imprisonment of six months.

(5)The maximum term of imprisonment to which a person is liable on conviction of an offence to which this subsection applies is, by virtue of this subsection, 51 weeks (and the relevant enactment in question is to be read as if it had been amended accordingly).

(6)Neither of the following—

(a)an order under subsection (2), or

(b)subsection (5),

affects the penalty for any offence committed before the commencement of that order or subsection (as the case may be).

(7)In this section and section 282 “relevant enactment” means any enactment contained in—

(a)an Act passed before or in the same Session as this Act, or

(b)any subordinate legislation made before the passing of this Act.

(8)In subsection (7) “subordinate legislation” has the same meaning as in the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Valid from 02/05/2022

282Increase in maximum term that may be imposed on summary conviction of offence triable either wayE+W

(1)In section 32 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) (penalties on summary conviction for offences triable either way) in subsection (1) (offences listed in Schedule 1 to that Act) for “not exceeding 6 months” there is substituted “ not exceeding 12 months ”.

(2)Subsection (3) applies to any offence triable either way which—

(a)is an offence under a relevant enactment,

(b)is punishable with imprisonment on summary conviction, and

(c)is not listed in Schedule 1 to the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980.

(3)The maximum term of imprisonment to which a person is liable on summary conviction of an offence to which this subsection applies is by virtue of this subsection 12 months (and the relevant enactment in question is to be read as if it had been amended accordingly).

(4)Nothing in this section affects the penalty for any offence committed before the commencement of this section.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C100S. 282(3) modified (8.11.2006) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 56(4), 66(2)(c)

Valid from 02/05/2022

283Enabling powers: power to alter maximum penaltiesE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may by order, in accordance with subsection (2) or (3), amend any relevant enactment which confers a power (however framed or worded) by subordinate legislation to make a person—

(a)as regards a summary offence, liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment;

(b)as regards an offence triable either way, liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment.

(2)An order made by virtue of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) may amend the relevant enactment in question so as to—

(a)restrict the power so that a person may no longer be made liable on conviction of a summary offence to a term of imprisonment, or

(b)increase to 51 weeks the maximum term of imprisonment to which a person may be made liable on conviction of a summary offence under the power.

(3)An order made by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection may amend the relevant enactment in question so as to increase the maximum term of imprisonment to which a person may be made liable on summary conviction of an offence under the power to 12 months.

(4)Schedule 27 (which amends the maximum penalties which may be imposed by virtue of certain enabling powers) shall have effect.

(5)The power conferred by subsection (1) shall not apply to the enactments amended under Schedule 27.

(6)An order under subsection (1) may make such supplementary, incidental or consequential provision as the Secretary of State considers necessary or expedient, including provision amending any relevant enactment.

(7)None of the following—

(a)an order under subsection (1), or

(b)Schedule 27,

affects the penalty for any offence committed before the commencement of that order or Schedule (as the case may be).

(8)In subsection (1) “subordinate legislation” has the same meaning as in the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30).

(9)In this section “relevant enactment” means any enactment contained in an Act passed before or in the same Session as this Act.

284Increase in penalties for drug-related offencesE+W

(1)Schedule 28 (increase in penalties for certain drug-related offences) shall have effect.

(2)That Schedule does not affect the penalty for any offence committed before the commencement of that Schedule.

285Increase in penalties for certain driving-related offencesE+W

(1)In section 12A of the Theft Act 1968 (c. 60) (aggravated vehicle-taking), in subsection (4), for “five years” there is substituted “ fourteen years ”.

(2)Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53) (prosecution and punishment of offences) is amended in accordance with subsections (3) and (4).

(3)In the entry relating to section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) (causing death by dangerous driving), in column 4, for “10 years” there is substituted “ 14 years ”.

(4)In the entry relating to section 3A of that Act (causing death by careless driving when under influence of drink or drugs), in column 4, for “10 years” there is substituted “ 14 years ”.

(5)Part I of Schedule 1 to the Road Traffic Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/1320 (N.I. 10)) (prosecution and punishment of offences) is amended in accordance with subsections (6) and (7).

(6)In the entry relating to Article 9 of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (S.I. 1995/2994 (N.I. 18)) (causing death or grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving), in column 4, for “10 years” there is substituted “ 14 years ”.

(7)In the entry relating to Article 14 of that Order (causing death or grievous bodily injury by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs), in column 4, for “10 years” there is substituted “ 14 years ”.

(8)This section does not affect the penalty for any offence committed before the commencement of this section.

286Increase in penalties for offences under section 174 of Road Traffic Act 1988E+W+S

(1)In Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53) (prosecution and punishment of offences), in the entry relating to section 174 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) (false statements and withholding material information), for columns (3) and (4) there is substituted—

“(a) Summarily(a) 6 months or the statutory maximum or both
(b) On indictment(b) 2 years or a fine or both.”

(2)Section 282(3) (increase in maximum term that may be imposed on summary conviction of offence triable either way) has effect in relation to the entry amended by subsection (1) as it has effect in relation to any other enactment contained in an Act passed before this Act.

(3)This section does not apply in relation to any offence committed before the commencement of this section.

Firearms offencesU.K.

287Minimum sentence for certain firearms offencesU.K.

After section 51 of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) there is inserted the following section—

“51AMinimum sentence for certain offences under s. 5

(1)This section applies where—

(a)an individual is convicted of—

(i)an offence under section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af) or (c) of this Act, or

(ii)an offence under section 5(1A)(a) of this Act, and

(b)the offence was committed after the commencement of this section and at a time when he was aged 16 or over.

(2)The court shall impose an appropriate custodial sentence (or order for detention) for a term of at least the required minimum term (with or without a fine) unless the court is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or to the offender which justify its not doing so.

(3)Where an offence is found to have been committed over a period of two or more days, or at some time during a period of two or more days, it shall be taken for the purposes of this section to have been committed on the last of those days.

(4)In this section “appropriate custodial sentence (or order for detention)” means—

(a)in relation to England and Wales—

(i)in the case of an offender who is aged 18 or over when convicted, a sentence of imprisonment, and

(ii)in the case of an offender who is aged under 18 at that time, a sentence of detention under section 91 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000;

(b)in relation to Scotland—

(i)in the case of an offender who is aged 21 or over when convicted, a sentence of imprisonment,

(ii)in the case of an offender who is aged under 21 at that time (not being an offender mentioned in sub-paragraph (iii)), a sentence of detention under section 207 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, and

(iii)in the case of an offender who is aged under 18 at that time and is subject to a supervision requirement, an order for detention under section 44, or sentence of detention under section 208, of that Act.

(5)In this section “the required minimum term” means—

(a)in relation to England and Wales—

(i)in the case of an offender who was aged 18 or over when he committed the offence, five years, and

(ii)in the case of an offender who was under 18 at that time, three years, and

(b)in relation to Scotland—

(i)in the case of an offender who was aged 21 or over when he committed the offence, five years, and

(ii)in the case of an offender who was aged under 21 at that time, three years.”

288Certain firearms offences to be triable only on indictmentU.K.

In Part 1 of Schedule 6 to the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) (prosecution and punishment of offences) for the entries relating to offences under section 5(1) (possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition) and section 5(1A) (possessing or distributing other prohibited weapons) there is substituted—

“Section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af) or (c)Possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition.On indictment10 years or a fine, or both.
Section 5(1)(b)Possessing or distributing prohibited weapon designed for discharge of noxious liquid etc.

(a) Summary

(b) On indictment

6 months or a fine of the statutory maximum, or both.

10 years or a fine or both.

Section 5(1A)(a)Possessing or distributing firearm disguised as other object.On indictment10 years or a fine, or both.
Section 5(1A)(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) or (g)Possessing or distributing other prohibited weapons.

(a) Summary

(b) On indictment

6 months or a fine of the statutory maximum, or both.

10 years or a fine, or both.”

289Power to sentence young offender to detention in respect of certain firearms offences: England and WalesU.K.

(1)Section 91 of the Sentencing Act (offenders under 18 convicted of certain serious offences: power to detain for specified period) is amended as follows.

(2)After subsection (1) there is inserted—

“(1A)Subsection (3) below also applies where—

(a)a person aged under 18 is convicted on indictment of an offence—

(i)under subsection (1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af) or (c) of section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968 (prohibited weapons), or

(ii)under subsection (1A)(a) of that section,

(b)the offence was committed after the commencement of section 51A of that Act and at a time when he was aged 16 or over, and

(c)the court is of the opinion mentioned in section 51A(2) of that Act (exceptional circumstances which justify its not imposing required custodial sentence).”

(3)After subsection (4) there is inserted—

“(5)Where subsection (2) of section 51A of the Firearms Act 1968 requires the imposition of a sentence of detention under this section for a term of at least the required minimum term (within the meaning of that section), the court shall sentence the offender to be detained for such period, of at least that term but not exceeding the maximum term of imprisonment with which the offence is punishable in the case of a person aged 18 or over, as may be specified in the sentence.”.

290Power to sentence young offender to detention in respect of certain firearms offences: ScotlandS

(1)The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46) is amended as follows.

(2)In section 49(3) (children’s hearing for purpose of obtaining advice as to treatment of child), at the end there is added “ except that where the circumstances are such as are mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 51A(1) of the Firearms Act 1968 it shall itself dispose of the case ”.

(3)In section 208 (detention of children convicted on indictment), the existing provisions become subsection (1); and after that subsection there is added—

“(2)Subsection (1) does not apply where the circumstances are such as are mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 51A(1) of the Firearms Act 1968.”.

291Power by order to exclude application of minimum sentence to those under 18U.K.

(1)The Secretary of State may by order—

(a)amend section 51A(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) by substituting for the word “16” the word “18”,

[F184(aa)amend section 29(3)(a) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 by substituting for the word “16” the word 18,]

(b)repeal section 91(1A)(c) and (5) of the Sentencing Act,

(c)amend subsection (3) of section 49 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 by repealing the exception to that subsection,

(d)repeal section 208(2) of that Act, and

(e)make such other provision as he considers necessary or expedient in consequence of, or in connection with, the provision made by virtue of paragraphs (a) to (d).

(2)The provision that may be made by virtue of subsection (1)(e) includes, in particular, provision amending or repealing any provision of an Act (whenever passed), including any provision of this Act.

Textual Amendments

292Sentencing for firearms offences in Northern IrelandN.I.

F185. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

293Increase in penalty for offences relating to importation or exportation of certain firearmsU.K.

(1)The Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 (c. 2) is amended as follows.

(2)In section 50 (penalty for improper importation of goods), for subsection (5A) there is substituted—

“(5A)In the case of—

(a)an offence under subsection (2) or (3) above committed in Great Britain in connection with a prohibition or restriction on the importation of any weapon or ammunition that is of a kind mentioned in section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af) or (c) or (1A)(a) of the Firearms Act 1968,

(b)any such offence committed in Northern Ireland in connection with a prohibition or restriction on the importation of any weapon or ammunition that is of a kind mentioned in Article 6(1)(a), (ab), (ac), (ad), (ae) or (c) or (1A)(a) of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, or

(c)any such offence committed in connection with the prohibition contained in section 20 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981,

subsection (4)(b) above shall have effect as if for the words “7 years” there were substituted the words “ 10 years ”.”

(3)In section 68 (offences in relation to exportation of prohibited or restricted goods) for subsection (4A) there is substituted—

“(4A)In the case of—

(a)an offence under subsection (2) or (3) above committed in Great Britain in connection with a prohibition or restriction on the exportation of any weapon or ammunition that is of a kind mentioned in section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af) or (c) or (1A)(a) of the Firearms Act 1968,

(b)any such offence committed in Northern Ireland in connection with a prohibition or restriction on the exportation of any weapon or ammunition that is of a kind mentioned in Article 6(1)(a), (ab), (ac), (ad), (ae) or (c) or (1A)(a) of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, or

(c)any such offence committed in connection with the prohibition contained in section 21 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981,

subsection (3)(b) above shall have effect as if for the words “7 years” there were substituted the words “ 10 years ”.”

(4)In section 170 (penalty for fraudulent evasion of duty, etc), for subsection (4A) there is substituted—

“(4A)In the case of—

(a)an offence under subsection (2) or (3) above committed in Great Britain in connection with a prohibition or restriction on the importation or exportation of any weapon or ammunition that is of a kind mentioned in section 5(1)(a), (ab), (aba), (ac), (ad), (ae), (af) or (c) or (1A)(a) of the Firearms Act 1968,

(b)any such offence committed in Northern Ireland in connection with a prohibition or restriction on the importation or exportation of any weapon or ammunition that is of a kind mentioned in Article 6(1)(a), (ab), (ac), (ad), (ae) or (c) or (1A)(a) of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, or

(c)any such offence committed in connection with the prohibitions contained in sections 20 and 21 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981,

subsection (3)(b) above shall have effect as if for the words “7 years” there were substituted the words “ 10 years ”.”

(5)This section does not affect the penalty for any offence committed before the commencement of this section.

Offenders transferred to mental hospitalE+W+N.I.

294Duration of directions under Mental Health Act 1983 in relation to offendersE+W+N.I.

(1)Section 50 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20) (further provisions as to prisoners under sentence) is amended as follows.

(2)In subsection (1), for “the expiration of that person’s sentence” there is substituted “ his release date ”.

(3)For subsections (2) and (3) there is substituted—

“(2)A restriction direction in the case of a person serving a sentence of imprisonment shall cease to have effect, if it has not previously done so, on his release date.

(3)In this section, references to a person’s release date are to the day (if any) on which he would be entitled to be released (whether unconditionally or on licence) from any prison or other institution in which he might have been detained if the transfer direction had not been given; and in determining that day there shall be disregarded—

(a)any powers that would be exercisable by the Parole Board if he were detained in such a prison or other institution, and

(b)any practice of the Secretary of State in relation to the early release under discretionary powers of persons detained in such a prison or other institution.”.

295Access to Parole Board for certain patients serving prison sentencesE+W+N.I.

In section 74 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (restricted patients subject to restriction directions) after subsection (5) there is inserted—

“(5A)Where the tribunal have made a recommendation under subsection (1)(b) above in the case of a patient who is subject to a restriction direction or a limitation direction—

(a)the fact that the restriction direction or limitation direction remains in force does not prevent the making of any application or reference to the Parole Board by or in respect of him or the exercise by him of any power to require the Secretary of State to refer his case to the Parole Board, and

(b)if the Parole Board make a direction or recommendation by virtue of which the patient would become entitled to be released (whether unconditionally or on licence) from any prison or other institution in which he might have been detained if he had not been removed to hospital, the restriction direction or limitation direction shall cease to have effect at the time when he would become entitled to be so released.”

296Duration of directions under Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 in relation to offendersN.I.

(1)Article 56 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (S.I. 1986/ 595 (N.I. 4)) (further provisions as to prisoners under sentence) is amended as follows.

(2)In paragraph (1), for “the expiration of that person’s sentence” there is substituted “ his release date ”.

(3)For paragraphs (2) and (3) there is substituted—

“(2)A restriction direction in the case of a person serving a sentence of imprisonment shall cease to have effect, if it has not previously done so, on his release date.

(3)In this Article, references to a person’s release date are to the day (if any) on which he would be entitled to be released (whether unconditionally or on licence) from any prison or juvenile justice centre in which he might have been detained if the transfer direction had not been given; and in determining that day any powers that would be exercisable by the Sentence Review Commissioners or the Life Sentence Review Commissioners if he were detained in such a prison or juvenile justice centre shall be disregarded.”

297Access to Sentence Review Commissioners and Life Sentence Review Commissioners for certain Northern Ireland patientsN.I.

In Article 79 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (restricted patients subject to restriction directions) after paragraph (5) there is inserted—

“(5A)Where the tribunal have made a recommendation under paragraph (1)(b) in the case of a patient who is subject to a restriction direction—

(a)the fact that the restriction direction remains in force does not prevent—

(i)the making of any application or reference to the Life Sentence Review Commissioners by or in respect of him or the exercise by him of any power to require the Secretary of State to refer his case to those Commissioners, or

(ii)the making of any application by him to the Sentence Review Commissioners, and

(b)if—

(i)the Life Sentence Review Commissioners give a direction by virtue of which the patient would become entitled to be released (whether unconditionally or on licence) from any prison or juvenile justice centre in which he might have been detained if the transfer direction had not been given, or

(ii)the Sentence Review Commissioners grant a declaration by virtue of which he would become so entitled,

the restriction direction shall cease to have effect at the time at which he would become so entitled.”.

Prospective

Term of detention and training orderE+W

F186298Term of detention and training orderE+W

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

Textual Amendments

Disqualification from working with childrenE+W

299Disqualification from working with childrenE+W

Schedule 30 (which contains amendments of Part 2 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43) relating to disqualification orders under that Part) shall have effect.

Fine defaultersE+W

300Power to impose unpaid work requirement [F187curfew requirement or attendance centre requirement] on fine defaulterE+W

(1)Subsection (2) applies in any case where, in respect of a person aged 16 or over, a magistrates' court—

(a)has power under Part 3 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) to issue a warrant of commitment for default in paying a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction (other than a sum ordered to be paid under section 6 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29)), or

(b)would, but for section 89 of the Sentencing Act (restrictions on custodial sentences for persons under 18), have power to issue such a warrant for such default.

(2)The magistrates' court may, instead of issuing a warrant of commitment or, as the case may be, proceeding under section 81 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (enforcement of fines imposed on young offender), order the person in default to comply with—

(a)an unpaid work requirement (as defined by section 199), or

(b)a curfew requirement (as defined by section 204)[F188, or

(c)in a case where the person is aged under 25, an attendance centre requirement (as defined by section 214)]

(3)In this Part “default order” means an order under subsection (2).

(4)Subsections (3) and (4) of section 177 (which relate to electronic monitoring) have effect in relation to a default order as they have effect in relation to a community order.

(5)Where a magistrates' court has power to make a default order, it may, if it thinks it expedient to do so, postpone the making of the order until such time and on such conditions (if any) as it thinks just.

(6)Schedule 8 (breach, revocation or amendment of community order), Schedule 9 (transfer of community orders to Scotland or Northern Ireland) and Chapter 4 (further provisions about orders under Chapters 2 and 3) have effect in relation to default orders as they have effect in relation to community orders, but subject to the modifications contained in Schedule 31.

(7)Where a default order has been made for default in paying any sum—

(a)on payment of the whole sum to any person authorised to receive it, the order shall cease to have effect, and

(b)on payment of a part of the sum to any such person, the total number of hours or days to which the order relates is to be taken to be reduced by a proportion corresponding to that which the part paid bears to the whole sum.

(8)In calculating any reduction required by subsection (7)(b), any fraction of a day or hour is to be disregarded.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C101S. 300 restricted (prosp.) by Education and Skills Act 2008 (c. 25), ss. 56-58, 173

Commencement Information

I113S. 301 partly in force; s. 301 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 301(5) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2

301Fine defaulters: driving disqualificationE+W

(1)Subsection (2) applies in any case where a magistrates' court—

(a)has power under Part 3 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) to issue a warrant of commitment for default in paying a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction (other than a sum ordered to be paid under section 6 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29)), or

(b)would, but for section 89 of the Sentencing Act (restrictions on custodial sentences for persons under 18), have power to issue such a warrant for such default.

(2)The magistrates' court may, instead of issuing a warrant of commitment or, as the case may be, proceeding under section 81 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (enforcement of fines imposed on young offenders), order the person in default to be disqualified, for such period not exceeding twelve months as it thinks fit, for holding or obtaining a driving licence.

(3)Where an order has been made under subsection (2) for default in paying any sum—

(a)on payment of the whole sum to any person authorised to receive it, the order shall cease to have effect, and

(b)on payment of part of the sum to any such person, the total number of weeks or months to which the order relates is to be taken to be reduced by a proportion corresponding to that which the part paid bears to the whole sum.

(4)In calculating any reduction required by subsection (3)(b) any fraction of a week or month is to be disregarded.

(5)The Secretary of State may by order amend subsection (2) by substituting, for the period there specified, such other period as may be specified in the order.

(6)A court which makes an order under this section disqualifying a person for holding or obtaining a driving licence shall require him to produce—

(a)any such licence held by him together with its counterpart; or

(b)in the case where he holds a Community licence (within the meaning of Part 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52)), his Community licence and its counterpart (if any).

(7)In this section—

  • “driving licence” means a licence to drive a motor vehicle granted under Part 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988;

  • “counterpart”—

    (a)

    in relation to a driving licence, has the meaning given in relation to such a licence by section 108(1) of that Act; and

    (b)

    in relation to a Community licence, has the meaning given by section 99B of that Act.

Commencement Information

I114S. 301 partly in force; s. 301 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 301(5) in force at 7.3.2005 by S.I. 2005/373, art. 2

Chapter 9E+W+SSupplementary

302Execution of process between England and Wales and ScotlandE+W+S

Section 4 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Process) Act 1881 (c. 24) (execution of process of English and Welsh courts in Scotland) applies to any process issued by a magistrates' court under—

  • paragraph 7(2) or (4), 13(6) or 25(1) of Schedule 8,

  • paragraph 12 of Schedule 9,

  • paragraph 8(1) of Schedule 10, or

  • paragraph 6(2) or (4), 12(1) or 20(1) of Schedule 12,

as it applies to process issued under the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 by a magistrates' court.

Commencement Information

I115S. 302 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 302 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 302 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 302 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 21 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

303Sentencing: repealsE+W

The following enactments (which are superseded by the provisions of this Part) shall cease to have effect—

(a)Part 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53) (early release of prisoners),

(b)in the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (c. 43)—

(i)section 29 (power of Secretary of State to release life prisoners to whom section 28 of that Act does not apply),

(ii)section 33 (transferred prisoners), and

(iii)sections 35 and 40 (fine defaulters),

(c)sections 80 and 81 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) (sentencing guidelines), and

(d)in the Sentencing Act—

(i)Chapter 3 of Part 4 (community orders available only where offender 16 or over),

(ii)section 85 (sexual or violent offences: extension of custodial term for licence purposes),

(iii)sections 87 and 88 (remand in custody),

(iv)section 109 (life sentence for second serious offence), and

(v)Chapter 5 of Part 5 (suspended sentences).

Commencement Information

I116S. 303 partly in force; s. 303(b)(i)(ii) in force at 18.12.2003 see s. 336(2); s. 303(a)(c)(d) in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 22 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

304Amendments relating to sentencingE+W

Schedule 32 (which contains amendments related to the provisions of this Part) shall have effect.

Commencement Information

I117S. 304 partly in force; s. 304 in force for certain purposes at 18.12.2003, see s. 336(2); s. 304 in force for certain purposes at 22.1.2004 by S.I. 2004/81, art. 3; s. 304 in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 304 in force for certain purposes at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 23 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)

305Interpretation of Part 12E+W

(1)In this Part, except where the contrary intention appears—

  • “accredited programme” has the meaning given by section 202(2);

  • “activity requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 201;

  • “alcohol treatment requirement”, in relation to a community order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 212;

  • “the appropriate officer of the court” means, in relation to a magistrates' court, the clerk of the court;

  • “associated”, in relation to offences, is to be read in accordance with section 161(1) of the Sentencing Act;

  • “attendance centre” has the meaning given by section 221(2);

  • “attendance centre requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 214;

  • “community order” has the meaning given by section 177(1);

  • “community requirement”, in relation to a suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 189(7);

  • “community sentence” has the meaning given by section 147(1);

  • “court” (without more), except in Chapter 7, does not include a service court [F189, but this does not apply where a contrary intention appears from any provision of the Armed Forces Act 2006;]

  • “curfew requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 204;

  • “custodial sentence” has the meaning given by section 76 of the Sentencing Act;

  • “custody plus order” has the meaning given by section 181(4);

  • “default order” has the meaning given by section 300(3);

  • “drug rehabilitation requirement”, in relation to a community order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 209;

  • “electronic monitoring requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 215;

  • “exclusion requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 205;

  • “guardian” has the same meaning as in the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (c. 12);

  • “intermittent custody order” has the meaning given by section 183(2);

  • “licence” means a licence under Chapter 6;

  • “local probation board” means a local probation board established under section 4 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (c. 43);

  • “mental health treatment requirement”, in relation to a community order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 207;

  • “pre-sentence report” has the meaning given by section 158(1);

  • “programme requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 202;

  • “prohibited activity requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 203;

  • “residence requirement”, in relation to a community order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 206;

  • “responsible officer”, in relation to an offender to whom a community order, a custody plus order, an intermittent custody order or a suspended sentence order relates, has the meaning given by section 197;

  • “sentence of imprisonment” does not include a committal—

    (a)

    in default of payment of any sum of money,

    (b)

    for want of sufficient distress to satisfy any sum of money, or

    (c)

    for failure to do or abstain from doing anything required to be done or left undone ,

    and references to sentencing an offender to imprisonment are to be read accordingly;

  • “the Sentencing Act” means the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (c. 6);

  • [F190“service court” means—

    (a)

    the Court Martial;

    (b)

    the Summary Appeal Court;

    (c)

    the Service Civilian Court;

    (d)

    the Court Martial Appeal Court; or

    (e)

    the Supreme Court on an appeal brought from the Court Martial Appeal Court;]

  • “supervision requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 213;

  • “suspended sentence” and “suspended sentence order” have the meaning given by section 189(7);

  • “unpaid work requirement”, in relation to a community order, custody plus order, intermittent custody order or suspended sentence order, has the meaning given by section 199;

  • “youth offending team” means a team established under section 39 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37).

(2)For the purposes of any provision of this Part which requires the determination of the age of a person by the court or the Secretary of State, his age is to be taken to be that which it appears to the court or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State to be after considering any available evidence.

(3)Any reference in this Part to an offence punishable with imprisonment is to be read without regard to any prohibition or restriction imposed by or under any Act on the imprisonment of young offenders.

(4)For the purposes of this Part—

(a)a sentence falls to be imposed under subsection (2) of section 51A of the Firearms Act 1968 (c. 27) if it is required by that subsection and the court is not of the opinion there mentioned,

(b)a sentence falls to be imposed under section 110(2) or 111(2) of the Sentencing Act if it is required by that provision and the court is not of the opinion there mentioned,

[F191(ba)a sentence falls to be imposed under section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 if it is required by that provision and the court is not of the opinion there mentioned,]

[F192(c)a sentence falls to be imposed under subsection (2) of section 225 if the court is obliged to pass a sentence of imprisonment for life under that subsection;

(d)a sentence falls to be imposed under subsection (2) of section 226 if the court is obliged to pass a sentence of detention for life under that subsection;]

(e)F193. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F189S. 305(1): words in definition of "court" inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 231(a); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

F190S. 305(1): definition of "service court" substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) for definitions of "service court" and "service disciplinary proceedings" by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378(1), 383, Sch. 16 para. 231(b); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I118S. 305 wholly in force at 4.4.2005; s. 305 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 336(3); s. 305(1)-(3) in force for certain purposes at 26.1.2004 by S.I. 2003/3282, art. 2, Sch.; s. 305 in force in so far as not already in force at 4.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/950, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 24 (subject to art. 2(2), Sch. 2)