Criminal Justice Act 2003

144Reduction in sentences for guilty pleasE+W
This section has no associated Explanatory Notes

(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 [F1a provision mentioned in subsection (3)], nothing in [F2that provision] 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 [F2that provision].

[F3(3)The provisions referred to in subsection (2) are—

  • section 1A(6)(a) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953;

  • section 110(2) of the Sentencing Act;

  • section 111(2) of the Sentencing Act;

  • section 139AA(8)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

(4)In the case of an offence the sentence for which falls to be imposed under a provision mentioned in subsection (5), nothing in that provision prevents the court from imposing any sentence that it considers appropriate after taking into account any matter referred to in subsection (1) of this section.

(5)The provisions referred to in subsection (4) are—

  • section 1A(6)(b) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953;

  • section 139AA(8)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1S. 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)