[F125(1)It is the duty of the Secretary of State to release a person to whom paragraph 24 applies unconditionally under this paragraph—U.K.
(a)in the case of a person falling within paragraph 24(1), as soon as the person has served two-thirds of the sentence;
(b)in the case of a person falling within paragraph 24(2), as soon as the person would (but for the earlier release) have served two-thirds of the sentence.
(2)After a person falling within paragraph 24(1) has served one-third of the sentence or six months, whichever is longer, the Secretary of State must, if directed to do so by the Board, release the person on licence under this paragraph.
(3)The Board must not give a direction under sub-paragraph (2) unless the Board is satisfied that it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the person should be confined.
(4)Sub-paragraphs (1) to (3) apply in place of section 244 (release on licence of prisoners serving 12 months or more).]
Textual Amendments
F1Sch. 20B inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 17 para. 10; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(o)