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 F1... imposed under section [F2224A,] 225 or 226.
(2)Subject to [F3the provisions listed in subsection (3)] , 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.
[F4(3)The provisions referred to in subsection (2) are—
(a)sections 1(2B) and 1A(5) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953;
(b)section 51A(2) of the Firearms Act 1968;
(c)sections 139(6B), 139A(5B) and 139AA(7) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988;
(d)sections 110(2) and 111(2) of the Sentencing Act;
(e)sections 226A(4) and 226B(2) of this Act;
(f)section 29(4) or (6) of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 153(1) repealed (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 148, 149, 153, Sch. 26 para. 67, Sch. 28 Pt. 2; S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 50(2)(c)
F2Words in s. 153(1) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 19 para. 12; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(q)
F3Words in s. 153(2) substituted (17.7.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 5 para. 15(2); S.I. 2015/1463, art. 2(b)
F4S. 153(3) inserted (17.7.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 5 para. 15(3); S.I. 2015/1463, art. 2(b)
Commencement Information
I1S. 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)