C1Part 12Sentencing

Annotations:
Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Chapter 6Release on licence

Fine defaulters and contemnors

I1258Early release of fine defaulters and contemnors

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.